Chapter 10 Nothing Can Be Done
First things first, thanks for the reviews.
I don't know how you guys felt about my attempt at humor last chapter, and yes, the team up of Naruto and Sasuke was supposed to be funny. I think I might have failed miserably to tell the truth. Oh well, live and learn I guess. For those of you still with me after that, I want to thank you for sticking with me. I promise this chapter will be better.
Also, I'm glad no one was upset with my use of the Kinniku Buster, or rather a variation of it. I didn't know how that would go over, but I personally like that technique, I don't care what anyone says, it's awesome. For those wondering what I was thinking, and I'm sure a few of you were, canon Sasuke used a tombstone pile driver twice, once on Orochimaru in the Forest of Death and again on Naruto at the Valley of the End. Also the Raikage uses pro-wrestling move and wears a champion's belt so I don't think a ninja using wrestling moves is that much of a stretch.
Now that I'm done being defensive, on with the chapter.
Again I own nothing, maybe even less than that.
Naruto and Hinata reached the Hokage Mansion just as the sun had finished setting, fortunately for them the Hokage frequently had to work late. Not even caring what he saw in the Sandaime's office, Naruto just barged in.
"Hokage-jiji, *huff* something *puff* happened at *wheeze* Training Ground 7," the blonde shinobi hopeful announced while trying to catch his breath.
Seeing his surrogate grandson and the Hyuga heiress in such an exhausted and fearful state had Hiruzen convinced that what had happened was more significant than a training accident. It was only thanks to living through three Shinobi World Wars that Hiruzen could address the situation calmly.
"Naruto, calm down and tell me what happened," the Sandaime ordered. Naruto didn't get scared often, so Hiruzen knew Naruto came looking to talk to the Hokage and not his Jiji.
After taking a moment to collect himself, Naruto told the elderly Hokage what had happened at the training ground, from the time he and Hinata began training to how they had run all the way from Training Ground 7 to the Hokage Mansion.
Once Naruto had finished recounting the events that led him to barging into the Hokage's office Hiruzen called two ANBU into his office.
"Bring Hyuga Hiashi and Umino Iruka to me at once," he ordered.
With two calls of, "Hai Hokage-sama," the ANBU were gone. Turning back to the children the Hokage had some questions Naruto's story did not answer, and he was hoping Hinata could give him more answers.
"Hinata did you manage to see this assailant?" the sexagenarian asked.
"No sir, they were wearing a mask, but their build was most certainly that of a male," the young girl answered.
"I see, well now let's wait until everyone gets here before we continue," Hiruzen asked.
They didn't have long to wait, the ANBU returned with Hiashi, Iruka, and to no one's surprise Anko.
"Our apologies Hokage-sama, Anko-san insisted on coming with Iruka-san," one of the ANBU explained.
"No matter, she may as well hear this too if she is going to continue training these two," Hiruzen responded before dismissing them.
"Hokage-sama, if I may ask, what has happened?" Hiashi asked.
"Both Naruto and Hinata were attacked at Training Ground 7 not long ago by an unidentified assailant. While they were able to drive their attacker away, I do not believe this will be the last we hear from them. Now before the three of you joined us, Hinata had identified the attacker as a male, now that you are here I will continue with the questions," Hiruzen explained. Turning to Hinata he asked, "Hinata, do you know who their target was?"
"They didn't discriminate as far as I could tell sir," Hinata answered.
"I see," Hiruzen responded. Turning to the adults he asked, "Do any of you know of anyone who would wish these children harm?"
"I would say Kumo, but they wouldn't send someone who could be stopped by academy students," was Hiashi's answer.
"I have an idea but I would rather tell you in private Hokage-sama," Iruka said.
"I know who Iruka-kun is talking about and I think he's right," came Anko's reply.
"Any particular reason you two won't tell all of us?" the Hokage asked.
"We can't accuse a fellow Konoha shinobi without proof," Iruka said simply. And it may prompt Mizuki to act if these two start acting overly cautious around him, he silently added.
"I see, then I need the two of you to stay after we finish," the Hokage said, knowing full well who Iruka and Anko suspected. Moving on he then said, "I think it would be wise for these two to have someone keep an eye on them at all times until this mystery man is caught."
"I will have a Branch Member accompany Hinata to and from training and station guards around her room at night," Hiashi said.
"Now that just leaves Naruto," the Hokage said, considering his options.
"I'd say he could stay with me but there isn't much space in my apartment" Iruka explained.
"Same with me," Anko said simply, ironically she and Iruka were discussing what they would do about a place to live after their wedding.
"Hm, if lack of space is the only issue then I think I have a solution," Hiruzen said, coming to a decision.
"What is it Jiji?" Naruto asked.
"The home of the Yondaime has been empty for years, perhaps it is time it had some new occupants, and the three of you have been looking more and more like a family recently" the Sandaime said.
"Are you sure that's alright, Hokage-sama?" Iruka asked.
"I'm sure, there may be a layer of dust on everything but it would accommodate the three of you just fine," the Sandaime told them. Knowing what Iruka's real concern was, Hiruzen then said, "You need not worry about how the Council, I think it is time that they were reminded who runs this village."
"Well said Hokage-sama," Hiashi said.
"As I said though it will take at least a day before anyone can move in, so for tonight I will assign Naruto an ANBU guard," Hiruzen said.
"That will not be necessary Hokage-sama, he can stay at my clan's compound tonight," Hiashi proposed.
"That is rather generous Hyuga-sama, but are you sure I won't be imposing?" Naruto asked.
"Not at all," Hiashi said simply.
"I thank you Hyuga-sama," Naruto said, his voice full of gratitude.
"Now if you and Hinata will leave the room there is something I wish to discuss with the Hokage," Hiashi told the two students.
"Hai Tou-sama," Hinata said, as she left the office.
"Hai Hyuga-sama," Naruto responded, closing the door behind him.
After making sure that the children were out of earshot with his Byakugan, Hiashi finally asked, "Now Umino-san, Mitarashi-san, who do the two of you believe attacked the children?"
"We both believe that it was the academy instructor, Mizuki," Iruka told Hiashi.
"Ah yes, the murder suspect the Civilian Council placed at the academy, I had almost forgotten about him," Hiashi said.
"Yes, so far all he has done is attempt to sabotage Naruto's training…" Iruka started to say.
"Which is something that many in Konoha would praise him for, unfortunately," Hiashi interrupted.
"Which is part of the reason we suspect him, Anko-chan and I found it odd that a man accused of murdering a member of his squad just so happens to be put in my class as an assistant," Iruka said, finishing his earlier though.
"It is purely speculation but I would bet an A-rank mission's pay that the Civilian Council tried to cut a deal with Mizuki, get rid of Naruto and they make the charges against him disappear," Anko suggested.
"Well for now we must remain vigilant, Mizuki or not someone wishes to harm Naruto and, apparently, Hinata as well," Hiruzen said. Realizing that nothing could be done at this point Hiruzen said, "If that is all then I bid you all good evening."
"Hai Hokage-sama," the three responded before they left the room.
Before heading to the Hyuga Compound, Hiashi and Hinata accompanied Naruto to his apartment so that he could collect his belongings. When he had finished and the three began their trek back to the Hyuga Compound. They walked in silence until Hiashi decided to ask about Naruto's lack of luggage.
"Naruto-san, while it is important to pack light, you may not see your apartment for some time, are you sure it is wise to leave the rest of your possession until tomorrow?"
"Actually, Hyuga-sama, everything I own that isn't replaceable is in the pack, all I left was the food in the fridge and my cups of instant ramen," Naruto said, as if his situation were normal.
Minato my old friend, Hiashi thought, I wonder if you would consider saving the village if you had known how your son's life would turn out. "I see," Hiashi said simply, worried that he would say the wrong thing. That had killed any chance of conversation for the rest of the trip to the Hyuga Compound. Upon their arrival, the group of three was greeted by a Branch Member.
"Hiashi-sama, Hinata-sama, welcome home, and I see Uzumaki-san is with you this evening," the Hyuga said. Although there were a few holdouts, most Hyuga had grown accustomed to Naruto's presence.
"Yes, there was, shall we say, an incident at Training Ground 7, Naruto-san will be spending the night at the compound," Hiashi explained trying not to give too much away.
"Shall I show him to the guest quarters before he joins you for dinner?" the Branch Member asked.
Before Hiashi responded he noticed Ko passing by and, getting a rather devious idea, said, "No, I think it would be best if Ko did that." Beckoning his clansman Hiashi said, "Ko, would you be so kind as to show our honored guest to his quarters and then to the dining room?"
"Hai, Hiashi-sama," Ko responded almost immediately. Looking around he then asked, "Where is our guest?"
"Naruto-san is our guest for the night," Hiashi told his confused clansman.
Ko looked as though he had been slapped, but he obeyed all the same, "Hai, Hiashi-sama, come Uzumaki-san."
"Hai, Ko-san," Naruto responded as he followed Ko to the guest quarters.
As Ko was guiding Naruto, memories of his conversation with Hiashi weeks ago began to surface.
Flashback no Jutsu
"Ko, do you realize that you could be put to death for what you did at the front gate?" Hiashi asked the man in front of him.
"Yes sir," Ko responded.
"I must know, has Uzumaki-san ever wronged you personally Ko?" the Hyuga Head asked.
"No sir," Ko answered.
"Then would you mind explaining your animosity towards him?" Hiashi asked.
"Foxes are tricky Hiashi-sama, he is just biding his time until…" Ko started.
"Enough!" Hiashi yelled. After calming down slightly he continued, "I will hear no more of this Ko, you will be civil to Uzumaki Naruto in the future and that is all there is to it.
"Hai Hiashi-sama," Ko responded.
"Now Ko, I must ask, you had faith in Namikaze Minato's abilities when he was alive, why do you doubt them now that he is dead?" Hiashi asked. It was a question that he wished he could ask all of Konoha.
"…" was Ko's response.
"That's what I thought," Hiashi said as he turned to leave.
"Ko-san, is everything alright?" Naruto asked, shaking Ko from his thoughts.
"Yes, Uzumaki-san, I'm fine," Ko responded. Noticing that they had reached the guest quarters Ko said, "Here we are Uzumaki-san."
"Thank you Ko-san, could you show me to the dining room after I drop off my belongings?" Naruto asked.
"Of course, Uzumaki-san," came Ko's response.
Dinner with the Hyuga Main house was quiet, but Naruto had assumed that was normal, which was just as well, he wasn't really in the mood to answer questions. After this he bid his gracious hosts good night and returned to the guest quarters.
Once again, Naruto found himself up before the sun and figured that it couldn't hurt to wait out in the courtyard. It was there he saw a Hyuga boy training.
"I suppose that you are the Main Household's guest?" the boy asked turning to look at Naruto.
"Yes, Hyuga-san, I am Uzumaki Naruto," Naruto greeted.
"Hyuga Neji," the now identified Neji said simply as he stared at Naruto as if he were sizing up an opponent.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you Neji-san," Naruto said.
"Never mind that. You said your name was Uzumaki Naruto?"
"Hai."
"You don't seem all that impressive," Neji said dismissively.
Not wanting to cause problems for his hosts Naruto simply responded, "I like to think I am about as impressive as any other academy student Neji-san."
"Gai-sensei seems to see something in you, but then again he sees something in Lee as well," Neji said.
"Neji-san I don't think you should put your sensei or your teammate down like that," Naruto said, ready to stick up for his friends.
"I am simply saying that Gai-sensei is wasting his time. Fate has decided that Lee will never be a proper ninja just as it has decided that Hinata-sama will always be weak."
"Lee is making lemonade with the lemons life gave him. And as for Hinata, those who are strong were once weak, just as those who are weak are able to become strong."
"It appears that you know nothing of Fate."
"I don't think I want to, I'd much rather determine my own destiny."
"You are a fool."
"I've been called worse."
"Neji-nisan, Naruto-kun," came a timid voice.
"Ohayo, Hinata-chan," Naruto greeted, his annoyance with Neji momentarily forgotten.
"Hinata-sama," Neji greeted curtly.
"I came to tell you both that breakfast is ready," Hinata said.
"Thanks Hinata-chan," Naruto replied.
"Of course, Hinata-sama," Neji responded.
With that the three of them headed off to eat and prepare for the day ahead. With that done Neji went to meet his team while Naruto and Hinata waited for their escort to Training Ground 7. They didn't have long to wait, they were flanked by two Branch members and went to meet Anko and Kurenai for their morning training.
"Like I said gaki, soon I won't have anything left to teach you at the rate you're going," Anko told Naruto. Both she and Kurenai were the children's escort to the academy.
"I'm sure there's a great deal you could still teach me Anko-sensei," Naruto replied.
"Maybe after you become a genin, give you some motivation," Anko replied back.
"Look at you two, one could almost mistake you for brother and sister," Kurenai said.
"Here we are, you two are Iruka-kun's problem now, and I want the two of you to skip your after school training session, Iruka-kun, Naruto-chan, and I need to get settled," Anko told the two.
Hinata was slightly disappointed but understood, and Naruto looked indignant at being called "Naruto-chan" but agreed all the same.
"Good, now off to class you two," and with that Anko and Kurenai took their leave.
Class went about the same as usual, nothing out of the ordinary happened, just a lecture about the Third Shinobi World War. The problem came when the students took their lunch break.
"Why did you do it Naruto?" Kiba asked.
"Huh?" came Naruto's intelligent response.
"Do you enjoy torturing us? Do you hate us?" Choji asked.
"What did I do?" Naruto asked confused, as far as he could tell he hadn't done anything wrong since meeting Ichiro and the other monks.
"Troublesome, when you helped Sasuke activate his Sharingan you gave the girls another reason to fawn over him," Shikamaru explained.
"The girls have fawned over Sasuke for years, Hinata-chan was the only exception," Naruto reminded them.
"It's gotten worse, and I think Sasuke is even starting to believe the crap they say about him," Kiba told Naruto.
"If he does let him, Sasuke's eyes don't make him invincible, the Shodaime beat Uchiha Madara and he was supposedly the strongest Uchiha to ever live," Naruto reminded his peers.
"That's true," Shikamaru said.
"Dobe, I want a rematch," Sasuke said as he made his way over to Naruto's group.
"I'm afraid I must decline, I'm in no mood to go back in front of the Council and explain how your ra-ra squad is full of shit," Naruto responded.
"Don't worry, they won't," Sasuke said ask he got into his taijutsu stance. In an effort to goad Naruto he said, "If you're scared you can use those weapons of yours."
"I have nothing to gain by fighting you Sasuke, so I'll pass," Naruto told him.
"I knew it!" one of Sasuke's fan girls shouted.
"That baka Naruto is too scared to fight Sasuke!" a second one added.
"I have better things to do then listen to this," Naruto said, his annoyance finally showing. As he turned to walk away he heard the sound of someone charging.
"Naruto-kun, look out!" he heard Hinata yell, as much as she could yell at least.
Hinata needn't have worried; one of Naruto's Mu bunshins dispatched Sasuke without much effort, literally knocking Sasuke on his ass.
"Sasuke, what part of no didn't you understand?" Naruto asked as he went to help Sasuke up and his bunshin faded back into nonexistence.
Sasuke just growled, knocked Naruto's hand away, and went off to nurse his wounded pride.
The rest of the day proceeded as normal for Naruto, with the exception of the occasional glare from Sasuke and his fans. When the day was finished Iruka called Naruto and Hinata to him; escorted Hinata home and grab Naruto's things; and then, with Naruto in tow, went to his apartment to gather his own possessions.
"I don't think I've ever seen your place Sensei," Naruto said.
"Not much to see really," Iruka said as he started grabbing loose items and putting them into a storage scroll.
Naruto noticed something out of the corner of his eye and asked, "Iruka-sensei what are those?"
"Those were a gift from Anko-chan, they're called chakrams. They can be in a manner similar to fuma shuriken but can also be used in melee combat." Iruka explained. Now in full lecture mode Iruka continued, "The most iconic method of throwing a chakram is tajani, wherein the weapon is twirled on the index finger of an upraised hand and thrown with a timed flick of the wrist. The spin is meant to add power and range to the throw, while also avoiding the risk of cutting oneself on the sharp outer edge. An adept user can twirl the chakram while using another weapon with the other hand. These are special though, I can combine them with fire jutsu to leave trails of fire behind them, or if I feel it is necessary I can use them to place a seal on my opponent, snap my fingers and said opponent will burst into flame. The best part is no matter how I throw them, these ones always come back."
"What are they called?" Naruto asked.
"Eternal Flames," Iruka answered holding the chakrams up for Naruto to examine. Each chakram had a circular main wheel with a black, cross-shaped handle. The edge of the main wheel sported four spikes and four small rings that were bisected by the main wheel. Another spike identical to the other four wass attached to each of these rings, which made a total of eight spikes. The interior of the main wheel and the outer edge of the half of each of the four rings that were on the interior of the wheel were red, as were the inner edges of the other halves of the rings. The rest of the chakrams were silver.
"Is there a story behind that name?" Naruto asked.
"I wanted to be a teacher to pass the Will of Fire on to all of my students. Anko-chan swears that when she heard their name she had to buy them for me," Iruka told him.
"Too bad you can't bring them to class," Naruto said.
"Ninja Academy or not, students seem to get nervous when their teacher has weapons on them," Iruka said jokingly.
"We should go soon, Anko-sensei doesn't like to be kept waiting," Naruto said.
"Tell me about it," Iruka murmured.
"What?" Naruto asked barely catching the statement.
"I said you're absolutely right," Iruka said, in no mood to explain what an angry Anko meant for him.
"About time you two got here," Anko said when Iruka and Naruto finally arrived at what was once the home of the Yondaime.
"Gomen Anko-chan," Iruka said, hoping to pacify the kunoichi.
"Yeah, sorry Anko-sensei," Naruto echoed.
"It's fine, just get settled so we can decide what to do about dinner," Anko said.
"Hehe," Naruto chuckled.
"What's so funny gaki," Anko asked.
"Nothing really, I've gone to an empty apartment after class for years, but for the first time ever it feels like I've come home," Naruto said happily.
That's it for this chapter. Sorry it took so long; things have been a little hectic lately.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter; I like to think it is one of my better ones.
Eternal Flames are property of Square Enix and Disney. Their description can be found on the Kingdom Hearts wiki, and the information of how chakrams are used can be found on Wikipedia.
I know Sasuke seems to change from chapter to chapter, but he'll stay the way he is now; an entitled little punk, who works with others only when his back is against the wall, for a while.
Anyway read and review, and never forget, ideas for techniques are always welcome.