Chapter 25: A Return to Normalcy…Or Not
I have returned. Not a whole lot of action this chapter and it is meant to mostly humor, but I hope you'll all enjoy it anyway. We are coming out of one story arc and going to the next.
On the jutsu front, I think I found some new darkness jutsu for Naruto, provided you all don't mind me getting a little cheap, but honestly, keeping darkness and Mu separate is not as easy as I thought it would be (not that I imagined it would be easy in the first place). Those will appear later, I just ask you to keep an open mind and remember I'm trying to use both the properties of darkness and/or what people associate it with (corruption and other cozy things).
I didn't mean for it to take so long to update but I started a new job recently and it's been kicking my ass, but enough about that, on with the chapter.
Konoha's Main Gate
It was a day like any other in the village of Konoha: birds were singing; young kids were going off on missions of little to no significance; and two chunin were stationed at the Main Gate to the village. One was a man with brown hair that covered his right eye. He was wearing his hitai-ate like a bandana and a standard uniform. This was Kamizuki Izumo. With him was his partner and best friend, Hagane Kotetsu. He had long, spiky, black hair a strip of bandage across the bridge of his nose. He also wore the standard Konoha uniform and wore his hitai-ate in the typical fashion.
"Hey, Izumo," Kotetsu said.
"Yeah?" Izumo asked in response.
"Do you ever wonder why we're here?"
"It's one of life's great mysteries, isn't it? 'Why are we here?' I mean are we the product of some cosmic coincidence or is there really a God with a plan for us or something? I don't know, but it keeps me up at night."
"…"
"…"
"What? I meant why are we out here; we seem to be the only ones who ever guard the gate."
"Oh, yeah."
"What was all that stuff about God?"
"Nothing."
"You want to talk about it?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Seriously though, why are we the only ones who ever get this job?" Kotetsu asked again.
"Guarding Konoha and its citizens is the best mission we can get, it means that the Hokage has absolute faith in us," Izumo explained.
"Whatever you have to tell yourself," Kotetsu said dismissively. Looking off into the distance he noticed a group approaching and asked, "What the hell is that?"
Outskirts of Konoha
One would have thought that the journey back to Konoha would be easier without a civilian client to look after. One would assume wrong, while the journey back from Wave still been shorter than the journey there, it felt much longer. It had been a journey filled with detours and bickering among the two seasoned shinobi. It had come as a great relief to the younger ninja when Konoha came into view, as their patience had been wearing thin.
"Well we're almost there," Sakura stated.
"Home sweet home," Sasuke said.
"We would have been back sooner if we had just stayed at the many inns we passed instead of going to various safe houses," Kakashi groused.
"Be nice, Kakashi. I'm a guest after all," came Zabuza's cheeky reply.
"We are still criminals, or at least Zabuza-sama is. We can't exactly take the main road," Haku pointed out.
"Why does a "hidden village" have a main road leading to it anyway?" Naruto asked.
"Are you idiots coming in or not?" Izumo asked the group.
"C'mon Izumo, let them fight, this is the only form of entertainment we get while on the job," Kotetsu said.
"Izumo, Kotetsu, I see you two are the same as ever," Kakashi greeted.
"Kakashi, is that Momochi Zabuza with you?" Izumo asked.
"It is."
"You know he's a missing-nin, right?"
"I do."
"And you're just going to bring him in?"
"If you two wouldn't mind."
"What the hell?"
"And would you believe that this is the most normal thing that has happened since I got my genin squad."
"Who is the kid?" Kotetsu asked.
"Which one, because there's four of us," Naruto reminded them.
"The one we don't recognize, smartass," Kotetsu retorted.
"My name is Haku, it's nice to meet you," Haku said, introducing himself.
"Just Haku, no family name?" Izumo asked.
"Uh well," Haku said uncomfortably, not wanting to tell his story.
"Leave the kid alone Izumo," Kakashi ordered.
"Kakashi, we have to keep records of whoever comes in and goes out of the village, which means we need a name," Izumo responded.
"And you know who is coming in, Momochi Zabuza. You identified him yourself just a few seconds ago. Steller work there, by the way," Naruto said.
"I was talking about Haku," Izumo said, angrily.
"See, you know who he is too," Naruto said.
"We need to know his surname," Izumo said through gritted teeth
"Just put Haku down as a mononym," Naruto suggested.
"A mononym?" Kotetsu asked.
"A mononym is a …" Naruto started to explain.
"We know what a mononym is!" Izumo yelled, quickly running out of patience with Team 7.
"Then why did he ask?" Naruto asked.
"Just get the fuck inside," Izumo responded angrily. As soon as Team 7 and their guests were inside the village and out of earshot Izumo turned to Kotetsu and said, "Forget what I said before I fucking hate this job."
Hokage Mansion
Having lived through all three Shinobi World Wars and Kurama's attack on Konoha, nothing really surprised Sarutobi Hiruzen anymore. The elderly Hokage handled unexpected events as well as anyone could be expected to: with a level head and an open mind. That being said, there were rare occurrences when he was shocked by what was happening in his village, and having a new genin squad and their jonin instructor walk in with a missing-nin and a total stranger like it was normal was just one such instance.
"So do any of you want to tell me what's going on?" Hiruzen asked after Team 7 walked in with Zabuza and Haku.
"Well for one thing, the people in this village are very rude. It's almost as if they've never seen foreign shinobi before," Zabuza answered.
"I'll see if there's anything I can do, but that question was actually directed at Team 7," Hiruzen explained, feeling a headache coming on.
"This is going to be a long story Jiji, it all started when we got outside the village…" Naruto started.
Later
"And that's pretty much it Jiji," Naruto finished.
"You didn't have to go into that much detail Naruto," Kakashi said wishing he could just disappear.
'Shudder' Kakashi in a maternity dress, ugh, Zabuza thought.
Dressing a man in a maternity dress, that's cruel and unusual… and I realize how strange that sounds coming from me, Haku thought.
And I thought my students were screwed up, Hiruzen thought. Remembering that there were still procedures to follow the Professor said, "I'll expect a written report in the near future Kakashi, preferably not as detailed."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said; the last thing he wanted was the story about him in a maternity dress as part of an official report.
"Now I'm not sure what we do about the two of you," Hiruzen said, turning his attention to Zabuza and Haku.
"What do you mean sir?" Haku asked.
"Kiri has never mentioned you, Haku-san, but since you were never an official shinobi that isn't unexpected. As for you Zabuza-san, the Mizukage wants you returned alive, but no explanation was ever given. I had just assumed that it was because she wanted to change Kiri's reputation," Hiruzen answered.
"Yeah, that sounds like Mei," Zabuza said.
"Sounds like you know her personally, were you two close?" Naruto asked.
"We were engaged, until I had to go on the run, of course," Zabuza explained.
"Kawaii!" Sakura squealed.
That poor woman, Kakashi thought.
"Right, anyway, I believe that it would be safe to contact her and explain the situation, but the decision is entirely up to you," Hiruzen said.
"What would happen if we stayed here?" Zabuza asked.
Sarutobi started, "Well considering how long you've been a missing-nin, I think it is safe to say that any information you could give us would be out-of-date…"
"Asshole," Zabuza whispered.
"I heard that. Anyway, after a probationary period of no less than one year you would be allowed to join Konoha's forces but only after swearing and proving your allegiance to this village," Sarutobi said.
"Well, I always planned to go back to Kiri, I just thought that I would be decimating Yagura's forces while I did it, not begging Mei to take me back," Zabuza said.
"Do you mean begging her to take you back as a ninja or …?" Kakashi started to ask.
"Just shut up," Zabuza snapped.
"For the record I think that you would make a great First Lady of Kiri, Zabuza-san," Naruto said.
"I said, shut the fuck up!" Zabuza yelled.
Deciding to intervene before someone got hurt, Hiruzen said, "While we wait for a response you'll both need somewhere to stay. There is a vacant apartment a short distance from here if you're interested, Naruto can show you where it is."
"They're going to stay at my old place? I thought someone would have moved in by now," Naruto commented.
"It's been a tough sell, shall we say," the Sandaime said.
"Oh, I see," Naruto said, understanding the problem right away. Seriously?! Do people think they're going to catch jinchūriki? he thought.
"Well I don't, what's wrong with it?" Zabuza asked; less than pleased at the thought that he and Haku were going to be given a temporary residence with known problems.
"I'll tell you when we get there," Naruto said.
"Here are the keys, now do you two have money?" Hiruzen asked.
"If it doesn't matter where it came from then yes, I have money," Zabuza thought.
I suppose where the money comes from shouldn't matter in a shinobi village, but I never feel right about dirty jobs, Hiruzen thought. "Alright then, dismissed," the Hokage said.
"Hai!"
"Well, have fun with our guests, Naruto; I have a report to write up. You kids have the next week off, so I'll see you at Training Ground 7 in seven days. Oh, and Naruto, until we hear otherwise, bring Zabuza and Haku. We brought them here, they're our responsibility," Kakashi said as he got ready to leave.
"We're not pets you know," Zabuza said.
"Don't forget to feed them and let them out in the yard once in a while," Sasuke said as he left.
"Anything you want to add Sakura?" Naruto asked.
"Uh, give me a second… No, I've got nothing," Sakura sighed in defeat.
"Are we done here?" Zabuza asked.
"Yeah, I guess. Follow me," Naruto said as he led the way to his old apartment. Along the way the trio noticed a few cold glares directed at them. Naruto knew those looks were directed at him but he also noticed that people didn't stare as much as they did before he became a genin. Zabuza had no way of knowing this and assumed that people were looking at him and Haku and it was starting to piss him off.
"Okay seriously, what the hell? I know that we are not the only foreign shinobi these people have seen," Zabuza complained.
"Actually Zabuza-san, if you'll follow their line of sight you'll notice that these people are staring at me," Naruto told him.
"Does this have something to do with why no one took the apartment, Naruto-san?" Haku asked, although he already knew the answer.
"Yeah it does, but like I said I'll explain when we get to my old place," Naruto answered.
"Why can't you tell us now?" Zabuza asked
"It's something I can't talk about in public," Naruto said.
"Can't talk about it or won't talk about it?" Zabuza asked.
"I can't talk about it, which is convenient, because I don't want to talk about it in public," Naruto explained.
"Why don't you want to talk about it?" Zabuza asked.
"Because it is supposed to be a secret," Naruto said.
"A regular secret or top secret?" Zabuza asked.
"Top secret," Naruto quickly answered.
"Dammit that's the worst kind," Zabuza cursed. He then asked, "Why is it so secret?"
"I can't tell you that where everyone can hear because that information is classified," Naruto answered.
"Classified as what?" Zabuza asked, clearly enjoying himself.
"Classified as something I can't tell you, now stop fishing for information when I already said I'll tell you later!" Naruto practically yelled.
After a brief pause, Zabuza asked, "What information do you think we're fishing for?"
"Okay, that wasn't even a good attempt," Naruto said.
"Yeah, I've got to agree with him Zabuza-sama," Haku said.
"Seriously, I thought you were part of Kiri's Black Ops," Naruto said, embarrassed for the jonin.
"Hey, when did this become about me?" Zabuza asked.
"Look, I'm sure this seems strange and I promise I will tell you as soon as we get to the apartment, but for now you'll just have to bear with it," Naruto told them as they continued on their way.
"Alright, I give up what's wrong with it?" Zabuza asked, after a thorough examination of the apartment.
"The problem isn't with the apartment, the problem is that I lived here," Naruto told him.
"Alright then, what's their problem with you?" Zabuza asked.
"What do you know about jinchūriki?" Naruto asked.
"I know that the Yondaime Mizukage was one, and I guess that question means that you are one too," Zabuza responded.
"Yeah I am," Naruto said.
"Haku, I notice you don't seem shocked by any of this," Zabuza said.
"I already knew from Naruto-san's strange technique," Haku explained.
"Okay, so other than you having lived here there is nothing else we should know about this place?" Zabuza asked.
"Not that I'm aware of," Naruto answered.
"Alright then. It's a little smaller than we're accustomed to, but it works for what we need it for don't you think Haku?" Zabuza asked
"Uh, sure," Haku said, uncertain of how to answer.
"Okay, I really thought this would take a lot longer. Uh, do you two need anything or will you be alright?" Naruto asked, unsure of what else to say.
"I'm fine Naruto-san," Haku answered.
"I'm good," Zabuza said.
"Okay then," Naruto said as he made his way out the door.
As soon as Naruto was gone, Haku said, "Zabuza-sama, I not sure I understand why Naruto-san's being a jinchūriki would stop people from moving in to this apartment."
"I don't know, maybe they think they'll catch jinchūriki," Zabuza responded, although he felt stupid even suggesting such a thing.
After Naruto left his old apartment, he found that he had no idea what to do first: Should he look for Hinata or should he head home in the hopes of seeing Iruka and Anko. After giving the matter some thought, he realized that it was still too early in the day for either Iruka or Anko to be home and he had no idea whether or not Hinata was out on a mission.
Well, I suppose some training wouldn't hurt, Naruto thought, realizing that he had not created any new jutsu since before the fight on the bridge. As he was trying to think of ideas for new jutsu that could be useful, he came across a familiar face.
"Naruto-kun, I see you have returned," came the friendly voice of Ichiro.
"Ichiro-jiji, how are you?" Naruto asked.
"I have been well, Naruto-kun. How was your mission?" Ichiro asked.
"It went well, all things considered. If you have some time I would love to tell you about it," Naruto told the elderly monk.
"I think I would like that, Naruto-kun. I was just going for a walk through Konoha and you are welcome to join me," Ichiro offered.
"Sure thing, Jiji. Now about my mission…" Naruto began.
"… and that's it Ichiro-jiji, now we're just waiting to see what Kiri does," Naruto finished.
"I'm proud of you Naruto-kun, you helped a country in need and created new techniques while you were at it," Ichiro said.
"Thanks Jiji, but I know that choosing to continue the mission was irresponsible, my team and I weren't ready. The only thing that saved us was luck," Naruto admitted.
"Perhaps, but I think that mission was good for you Naruto-kun and I think you were good for Wave. Most ninja would try not to get emotionally involved in the plight of a nation. Most ninja would have just completed the mission. You not only connected with the people of Wave, you reminded them that they can stand on their own," Ichiro explained.
"I didn't think of it that way," Naruto said.
"That being said, I think it would be best if you build up your jutsu repertoire and polished your skills before you take on a mission like that again," Ichiro said.
"Yeah, I was hoping you could help me with that Jiji. I was wondering what you could tell me about darkness," Naruto stated.
"That is a difficult topic Naruto-kun. Darkness is mysterious: some see it in destructive and violent acts; some see it as a corrupting agent; it can be an all-consuming void; but to most it obscures and conceals," Ichiro explained.
I think I can work with all of those, "Arigatou Ichiro-jiji," Naruto said gratefully.
"You are very welcome Naruto-kun, but I am not sure what it is that I did," Ichiro responded.
"I'll show you when I finish with the jutsu, but that explanation helped me out a lot," Naruto said.
"Very well Naruto-kun, but for now I think it would be best if you headed home it is late in the afternoon and I must meet up with the other monks," Ichiro said.
"You're right, ja ne Ichiro-jiji," Naruto said as he left the elderly monk.
It's probably for the best if I don't rush this one, it's going to be three parts established techniques and one part uncharted territory, Naruto thought as he made his way home.
"What exactly were you hoping to create?" Kurama asked.
I was thinking of trying the "darkness as a corrupting agent" angle first. I think it would be the most useful in combat. An opponent's ninjutsu or some bunshins are headed for me; I corrupt it and send it back at my opponent. It just sounds cool, Naruto explained.
"How exactly do you plan to corrupt a projectile ninjutsu or bunshin?" Kurama asked.
I think a good place to start would be by forcing my chakra into one of my opponent's jutsu, Naruto told his partner.
"So you're going to create some cross between medical ninjutsu, genjutsu, and the Hyuga Clan's Jūken, and then use it on ninjutsu that has already been performed. That is completely insane. I love it," Kurama said.
Yeah, but I need to know more about Jūken and medical ninjutsu before I attempt to do it. And I think it would be best if I used a projectile to corrupt a projectile, like a senbon made of darkness or something, Naruto thought.
"Well it sounds like you have some idea of what you need to do, just don't neglect those other projects of yours," Kurama said.
I won't, don't worry, Naruto responded just as he arrived at his front door. Upon entering he heard a familiar voice say, "Naruto-kun" right before a blur tackled him.
"It's good to see you too, Hinata-chan. I hope I didn't make you worry too much," Naruto said once he got a good look at his 'assailant'.
"Oh no, no was worried about you, you just took two weeks longer than you should have," Anko said sarcastically.
"What kept you Naruto?" Iruka asked.
Getting to his feet and helping Hinata to her's, Naruto said, "We should probably go sit down somewhere because this is going to be a long story."
Well here you go folks. I apologize for the lack of action but this is the first of a small series of transition chapters. Don't worry I plan to get to the Chunin Exam soon, or at least introduce Gaara and the others.
I would like to thank Rooster Teeth for some of the dialogue used in this chapter, hope those of you who watch Red vs. Blue, and those of you that don't, enjoyed it.
I know Zabuza is OOC, but there are a large amount of Zabuza and Haku survival stories where he acts like everything is normal when he gets to Konoha; I just picture him being kind of a dick towards Kakashi is all. As for his information being out-of-date, he left Kiri when Haku was barely up to his waist, I'm pretty sure that is fair to say.
I'll get Naruto started on his training next chapter, so I hope you'll all look forward to that.
I have a question for any Jak and Daxter fans that may be reading: What do you think of Naruto using Dark and Light Jak's abilities? I'm kind of on the fence about that. Let me know in your reviews.