A/N: I'm already like three chapters ahead and I might lose all network connections this coming holiday, so full steam ahead, I say! The character I recently ultimatized is. . .
nah, you'll find out yourself.
Disclaimer: I own nada and if that's out of the way, on to...
Ultimate Naruto
Chapter Seven
Training And Genin Formations
XXXXXXXXXX
They were roused at five and made to line up; in their pajamas, in front of the camp. Naruto rubbed his eyes blearily. He knew he should be estatic about finally achieving his life-long dream but this was just bullshit. Sasuke stood next to him; looking alert to the untrained eye, but Naruto could pick out a few discrepancies; such as how his duck-butt hair hung limply at the back or how his fingers shook every once in a while.
Others were sleeping all out. For example; the girls who were snoozing on their feet, or the Shikamaru guy, who had blacked out on the ground. So, it wasn't a pretty sight that Morino Ibiki; ex-militia, and Field commander of the Oniwabanshu's Interrogation division, walked upon when he approached the future generation of Konoha mercenary. To say that he was enraged was a chronic understatement.
"WHAT IN KAMI'S NAME IS THIS? STAND AT ATTENTION RIGHT NOW, YOU FUCKING OFFSPRINGS OF SCALLYWAGS!"
Ino and Sakura; who had been sleeping on each other, shrieked and righted themselves while Hinata eeped and fell to the floor. Shikamaru leapt to his feet as though the ground were on fire and all the other boys straightened themselves out as best as they could.
After a few seconds of bumbling, which enraged Ibiki even more; the soldier took charge, Iruka standing some ways behind him.
"You should be ashamed of yourselves, all of you! Is this the best Konoha can provide in the replenishing of our forces? I'm embarassed! During the Third's prime, things were never like this."
He then stepped into the light and most of the trainees gasped. Morino Ibiki was a tall, imposing man with a long, trench coat and a bandanna, but what caught the most attention was his face, which was lined with numerous scars. Even Naruto hadn't seen anything of the like.
Ibiki chuckled mirthlessly.
"What? I'm not pretty enough for you pansies? Well, I have news for you. The fact that you passed the examination doesn't make you a mercenary. I am free to dismiss as many of you as I please if you don't meet up to standard, and that is, if you even survive my regime in the first place."
He walked up to Choji and got in his face. The big boy shrunk back from the man's sadistic gaze.
"Look at you lot; fat, chubby, breast-fed bunch of hooligans. Probably the first time any of you have stepped away from the presence of your parents. Is there anyone here missing his mummy? I can send you back to meet them right now, while you're not yet a rusty pile of walking bones."
"B-but, I'm n-not f-fat...", Choji began weakly.
"Akimichi Choji", Ibiki sneered, "Fat pile of trash from the obesed Akimichi clan. Do you want to cry? (for Choji's eyes had watered at this point) Your father's a great merc, one of the best, and he was also an extraordinary militia of our nation. Unluckily for him, his son didn't get his genes, except for the breasts and abominable waist-line. What a pity."
He then turned to the pineapple haired boy; who tried to stand tall before his intimidating glare.
"And you, Nara Shikamaru; a woman-loving disgrace. Your father is a legend and the best strategist of the Oniwaban and he ends up with a lazy piece of shit like you for a son. I've heard all about your ways; how you slack off even the flimsiest of jobs and yet, prefer to spend ages composing love songs and poems. I'll be watching you."
He continued down the line.
"Masahiro Kuichi. A no name dog from a no name family. Become a merc, won't you? Your worthless clan are probably at the bottom of the roster with no extraordinary member or skills; a family of laughing stocks! I doubt you'd even survive your first mission, or my training for that matter."
The boy looked down in shame.
"Well, well, what do we have here? It's Hyuga Hinata" - and the girl eeped at the attention - "Patethic. The thorn of the noble Hyuga clan. With your fine cars and fancy bodyguards, you roll around in money and tea parties, and yet, claim to be the greatest clan in the world. Hyuga Hiashi must really be ashamed, seeing that the best the main branch could do for a heiress was some kid, who would be better off playing with dolls than actually dealing a real blow. Unless maybe, he hoped he could use this as an avenue to get rid of you. Interesting."
"I-I'm s-sorry!", Hinata cried, tears streaming down her face.
"As I said before, how patethic. I met a Hyuga last year in this camp and merely looking in his eyes, I could see his true potential. Yours show nothing; only weakness."
"Fucking lay off the girl, won't you!", Naruto yelled angrily from his spot down the line, "She's obviously in pain."
Ibiki, however, ignored him and marched unto the next person, whose red eyed glare almost made him falter. The fiery teen leaned towards Hinata, trying gently to console the white-eyed girl.
"Hanataka Kyuubi, eh?", Ibiki asked, "The child who is scared of a little something in her sleep? Maybe, I can just make a soldier out of your little problem."
Kyuubi's glare intensified but Ibiki remained impassive.
"You became a mercenary to seek our help, didn't you? But irrespective, of your parents and their clan, you're too scared to become strong. Your hesitation and fear will end up destroying everything you care about."
Kyuubi wanted to bite back but found herself tongue-tied; her eyes widening in horror at just how much the man knew. He didn't wait any longer because he was already in front of the next two persons, a malicious grin etched on his face.
"Aburame Shino. Inuzuka Kiba. The mighty Aburame freak clan might have a very good specimen here."
Shino stared at him passively, his face unreadable through his dark glasses.
"However, like all Aburames, you rely too much on your secret jutsu, I won't be too surprised if you fail to keep up. Yet, maybe, just maybe, you might be the finest operative of this set... when you learn to keep the bug eaters away, of course."
"And then, the scoundrel of the Inuzuka family. Pitiful. Barbaric just as the rest of your clan. All hot air and little to show for it apart from a keen nose and high libido. I'd have you back in a kennel if I had my way, the dog that you are."
Kiba quivered in fear as the man spoke; even going so far as to hide himself in the crook of his shirt, along with his pup. Naruto thought the sight looked awfully patethic.
"Yamanaka Ino", Ibiki continued again, "Tragic. The Yamanaka clan has always been known to produce feminine operatives. Where are your flowers, little girl? Daddy's not around to pick you up from school?"
Ino frowned in barely restrained anger.
"Not that I'm surprised. Despite being the best at his job, Inoichi is a true softie; raising a prom queen for a daughter (scoff). You better leave this camp now, little girl, before I break that flimsy, Barbie figure of yours."
"And your friend over here, what was the name again? Oh, don't think I even bothered to remember. There has never been a single operative in the history of your civilian family but here you are, trying hard to be one, all because of some silly, female rivalry. You're probably the weakest here, even weaker than that Hyuga girl, since you have not one shred of talent in you. And what the hell is up with that goddamn pink hair. Beauty pageant this is to you?"
"N-no sir", Sakura answered weakly.
"You'd be the first to die", Ibiki said sardonically, "You're a dead weight that I foresee would only hold everyone here behind. Useless."
The next person he approached just smiled creepily at him.
"You must be Sai."
The boy's smile widened, "Yes. Can we be friends?"
Ibiki gazed at him oddly.
"No comment."
The raven-haired Uchiha was up next and he had his hands jammed into his pockets. When Ibiki came up to him, Sasuke met the soldier's glare with his.
"Uchiha Sasuke. From the battle-excelling Uchiha clan. You arrogant piece of filth, your lot actually thinks that they are kami's wet dream; the greatest thing to happen to the world of mercenary. But you Uchiha don't swagger around like before, do you? Not after what your brother; Itachi, did. Creating a bad name for Uchiha worldwide by joining the police force, isn't he? Now, he's arresting every single merc off the globe. I doubt you'd even have half as much skill as Itachi does - "
Sasuke's fists tightened.
" - but if you do, you'd still be something to watch. Your clan are known for their immense lust for power, after all. Too bad they always end up killing each other. Fucked up warmongers they are."
"Hn."
Ibiki then turned to the last person on the line, whose arms were locked behind his head, a nonchalant expression on his face.
"And finally; Uzumaki Naruto. How's life as an orphan going?"
"Better than yours of torturing little kids, that's for sure", was Naruto's snarky reply.
"Can't say I blame you. You never did have a mother to teach you manners, after all."
"Take that back", Naruto growled.
"Or maybe you do have a mother, you thoughtless, little bastard. Probably somewhere in the projects stoned on drugs and dick, who had abandoned you when the cash started running low. That's the story with you urchins, after all. I've heard all about you, Naruto, and you have no place being a mercenary. You should probably be on the streets; hanging out with other low-lives, waiting for the day you'd inevitably die of herpes and drug addiction, and go to hell to meet your rapist of a fath..."
But that was the last straw. With a loud cry, Naruto threw a blinding punch at Ibiki, which the man easily side-stepped before attacking with a blow of his own, knocking the boy off his feet. He then buried a knee in his back, forcing him to the dirt. Sasuke had already moved to aid his friend but Ibiki kept him at bay before he even started, with a knife to the throat.
Iruka jumped in to intervene but an order from Ibiki caused him to stop.
"Just let me up first, you bastard", Naruto hissed in a venomous voice as he struggled to get up, "Just let me up, and I swear, I'll KILL you. I'll rip your heart out and KILL you."
Ibiki looked non-plussed though the other students were shocked at what had just occurred. Naruto looked like a demon from hades; hell bent on commiting the diabolical manslaughter of his query.
Sasuke glared at the man; despite the knife to the pulse on his throat, his eyes flicking briefly to red.
"I'm disappointed", Ibiki began, "with the state of mercenaries these days. I won't say it again. Leave now or end up like the street-rat on the floor. This isn't some field trip or a walk in the park. This is real life; kill or be killed, and if you know that you're too much of a pansy to fit in such a world. . . walk out now, before I'm forced to make you do so myself."
Sasuke glared at the man as he finished his speech but turned curiously to his mates to see if anyone would do as he said. The Hyuga girl tearfully stepped forward; along with Masahiro (his eyes on the ground) and a shaking, red-eyed Sakura.
'Wimps', thought Sasuke.
"You three", Ibiki began, "Is that..."
"Nobody's going anywhere!", Naruto barked.
Every student turned to look at him.
"B-but...", Sakura began.
"But nothing! Nobody's going anywhere, you fucking retards!", Naruto barked again. He turned to look at them, struggling wildly in Ibiki's grasp.
"It's okay to be weak! It's okay to be unsure of yourselves! Heck, it's even okay to be scared! But do you know what is not okay? Letting some scarred, godforsaken, son of a motherfucker get to you by telling you shit you already know about yourselves! Now, that's just patethic!"
'Naruto-kun', Hinata thought.
"You might be weak or unsure or scared as hell! But knowing so makes you strong and what makes you even stronger is seeking help to get over it, because that is why we all chose to be mercs! And I'd rather die than let any of you throw away your goals just because of what some fucktard in a bandanna says!"
"If any of you does so", and his eyes narrowed at this point, "I won't forgive you."
The rookies, including Iruka, were shocked into silence at this and Ibiki's grip on the two boys loosened a bit.
"Now, Sasuke!", Naruto roared.
The Uchiha had moved already, disarming the man of his knife and throwing it at his groin... or where his groin used to be; Ibiki releasing Naruto at the last second in order to avoid what would have been a fatal blow.
"Alright!", yelled Naruto, vaulting off his hands and swinging his legs at his friend, who caught the offending appendages and flung the boy unto Ibiki's path.
The experienced merc avoided Naruto's body blow, only to raise both arms to block Sasuke's follow-up assault. Throwing the Uchiha off him, he then twirled and lashed out at the blonde; whose sneak attack he had been expecting, only for him to burst into smoke.
"What the...?"
The smoke obscured his vision briefly, enough for him to run straight into twin powerful fists which slammed him backwards and into the dirt.
"Fuck yeah!", Naruto began, "Team NaruSasu strikes agai...eh?"
A log of wood had replaced Ibiki's body.
"The fuck?"
Sasuke sighed. He would have been surprised if they could take down a senior merc that easily. Clapping from the back caused him and Naruto to turn around.
"Well, well, well."
Ibiki had appeared behind Iruka and there was a smirk on his face.
"I'm impressed. Seems like this year's crop might not be too bad, after all."
Naruto glared in response but Ibiki raised a hand to silence him.
"You three, do you still quit?", he asked, but the three almost-quitters shook their heads, resolutely standing their ground.
'Arigatou, Naruto-kun', Hinata thought.
So, it came down to this, after all.
Ibiki looked at the rookies before him and nodded his approval,
"I apologize for earlier but I hope you all learned a valuable lesson today. There would be no kind words for anyone in the Oniwabanshu. Only the best are allowed to become mercenaries, but you cannot become the best overnight. You are here to be nurtured. And if you quit just because you face unfavorable circumstances, you will compromise your mission and failure to fulfil your mission may compromise your life."
He looked pointedly at the three, who had the grace to look guilty.
"The merc world is not a beauty pageant. It's ugly, harsh and unforgiving. Just like this..."
And he took off his bandanna, revealing a head so badly scarred and deformed that it was a wonder he could still think correctly.
"Damn", Naruto said, cringing along with his fellow rookies.
Ibiki tied his bandanna back on.
"However, the realization of how ugly the world is would become your saving grace, because then, you know what to expect. If you are not up to this, I repeat my advice: Back away or else..."
The rookies waited firmly for him to speak.
"...DROP DOWN AND GIVE ME FIFTY, YOU OVERBEARING BAGS OF HANYOU DUNG!"
Naruto sweatdropped.
"NOW!"
Immediately, all twelve of the rookies leapt for the floor, beginning a series of military push-ups.
"I am Morino Ibiki, your new commander! And since you think that you're great enough to become a merc, this two weeks would be hell for you. Let's see how many would be left by then."
A few people like Sakura, Hinata and Shikamaru, collapsed early in set but Naruto ploughed on, a smirk on his face, mentally competing with Sasuke to see who would hold out longer.
Ibiki watched them all, taking note of those he needed to whip into shape.
Uzumaki Naruto, eh?, he thought, You'd be something to watch out for.
XXXXXXXXXX
After a hectic 'warming' session, the rookies headed in for a shower and light breakfast before resuming the drill once again.
Ibiki had them run a 3000 metre course this time and Naruto wondered if he probably wanted them dead.
Still, he loved the competition.
Early in the race, he had been tripped over by Kiba but the blonde hadn't bothered to acknowledge him once again. The mutt would surely get what was coming to him. Now, he just had to prove how good he was by winning the goddamn race.
By the time of the last lap, only half the original rookies remained. Naruto, Sasuke, Kiba, Sai and Shino with Kyuubi; bringing up the rear. Naruto smirked. Kiba did have some stamina; but he was just ahead of Shino, the heat obviously beginning to take its toll on him. Surprisingly, Sai; despite his pasty look, was actually keeping up with him and Sasuke, though Naruto knew he had this one in the bag.
"Forget it, teme", Naruto panted, "You know I've got this one."
"You wish, dobe", Sasuke huffed, trying desperately to save some breath. He hated losing to the blonde in anything. Though, he had to admit; as Naruto put even more distance between them, that his friend had an ungodly amount of stamina.
Neither of them noticed the redhead, who first breezed past Shino, then Kiba, Sai, Sasuke; all in that order, until she was pulling up alongside Naruto.
"Eh?", was Naruto's shocked assessment.
The redhead was sweaty and her ponytail utterly disheveled but she still looked beautiful in the blonde's eyes. She spared him a small smile; probably the first one she'd given him since they met, and Naruto felt butterflies fluttering in his stomach.
That sensation vanished the moment she overtook him, leaving Naruto behind to fumble in the dirt. No way a girl could have more stamina than he did!
Unfortunately, the lap was over and Kyuubi had claimed her price. The other boys collapsed immediately after crossing the line; Sasuke included (in that dignified manner of his), though Naruto merely rested upon his knees in order to catch his breath. He looked at Kyuubi disbelievingly; who didn't even seem the least bit winded.
"How did you...", he began.
"I'm on my school's track team, silly", she said, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder, "I'm not that girly, you know?"
"Woulda fooled me", Naruto grumbled.
Kyuubi stuck out her tongue.
Mizuki and Ibiki had shown surprise at the result and the senior merc let his irritation be known,
"Beaten by a girl? How patethic, the lot of you."
Suffice it to say that while the others caught a break, the six that hadn't completed the course were forced to run it all over again.
Ibiki worked them into the ground and by lunchtime, everyone was sweaty and sore.
"Tell me there's something better to eat around here", Naruto groaned as he looked down at his plate. His abdominal muscles were bunched so tightly that he could barely swallow a single morsel. Shikamaru couldn't even hold a spoon up resulting in him being fed by his best friend; Choji. He, however, was faring better than Sakura, who had broken into tears earlier in the day and was now nursing multiple cramps in all the wrong places. Luckily, Aoba gave excellent first aid.
Kyuubi had just passed the remnants of her food to the Choji guy when she felt a prickling at the back of her neck and turned to meet Sasuke's scrutinizing gaze.
"You look better", was his simple comment.
The girl blushed, "Well, I have been sleeping."
Sasuke nodded before proceeding to exchange fists with Naruto; who had been trying to steal off his plate while they talked.
After lunch, the rookies had a game of football, divided into teams of five (one on each bench), and Naruto saw an opportunity to finally humiliate Kiba. He let the mutt get him the first time in order to test his strength; knocking the wind out of him with a body blow. And boy, could Kiba hit hard.
"I'll show you who's the real alpha around here, blondie", Kiba snarled in his face, "Think you're all that 'cos you can tussle with a senior merc, right? You're meat."
Naruto ignored him and substituted with Kuichi, joining Hinata on the bench. The heiress was poking her fingers timidly, looking anywhere but at him.
"How's it going?", he asked, his foxy grin already in place.
The girl eeped before stuttering that she was fine.
"Is there something on my face?", he pondered aloud, wondering what could make the girl act the way she did around him.
"N-No, Naruto-kun."
Naruto shrugged after that. He never did understand rich kids that much.
Later on, Shikamaru paused just before the throw and allowed himself to be knocked down by Ino. The lazy boy was probably tired of playing, and went to stare at the clouds as Hinata replaced hi,. Moments later, Kyuubi floored Sai with an awesome tackle, causing him to be called out.
Naruto switched wirg him and walked unto the field beside Sasuke, smirking as Kiba gave him the 'you're dead' sign.
"Nice to have you back, dobe. We're losing", Sasuke said.
"Nice to be back, teme."
"Our plan is to take Kyuubi out and keep her out. Unsurprisingly, she is the threat on the opposition."
Naruto did a mental analysis of his team; Ino, Sasuke, Masahiro, himself and Sakura. Not much.
"Nah, you can handle Kyuubi yourself. Sakura can mark Hinata, Ino to Shino and Masahiro; Choji. I got a score to settle with the Inuzuka over there."
"Hn."
As predicted, immediately the game began, Kiba lunged at Naruto; despite him not having the ball. But Naruto was prepared and Kiba toppled over the replacement log of wood. They were mercenaries after all. (Iruka smiled as he watched this).
Kyuubi was indeed dangerous. The red-haired girl was swift and strong; an unusual combination. However, Sasuke was swifter, and he was able to avoid being taken down for count. The ball was passed to Naruto and the blonde, sensing Kiba's approach, tossed it to the opposition (Hinata) before deftly avoiding the tackle. Sakura immediately bore down on the Hyuga and like he predicted, the scared girl passed the ball to her closest teammate, Kiba.
Naruto was already on the move. Before Kiba could pass the ball, he hefted - tackle was such an understatement for what he did - the mutt off the ground and smacked him solid against the ground, taking him out for the count. Shikamaru was in earlier than he wanted.
As the game continued, Naruto pulled off his shirt to facilitate comfort. Ino saw this and whistled in appreciation.
"Nice abs, Naruto."
The blonde winked connivingly at her.
"Not as good as Sasuke-kun's ass though."
Naruto face-faulted.
Minutes after that, he scored a home run.
"I'm back, Naruto, and I'm gonna make you eat dirt, so better watch out!", Kiba growled as he replaced Choji whom Sasuke had impressively taken out.
"You can try, flea bag."
Naruto caught the ball from Sai's throw and avoided Kiba once again, this time with a cartwheel. He smirked when he heard Sakura shout 'wow' from the stands. Kyuubi was upon him at that moment but Naruto passed the ball to Sasuke behind him who freed Masahiro over and around to score.
Kyuubi growled, "You guys are just too nimble. How come I can consistently take out anyone else I want apart from you two?"
Sasuke smirked, "Focus on those within your limits then."
"So that you two idiots could decimate my team? Never."
Shikamaru later proved that he had excellent evasion skills if he put his mind to it. It was unbelievable but the lazy boy also scored a home run, putting his team up another notch. His brilliant strategizing was also proving to be very detrimental to Sasuke's side.
"Put your head where your money is", Naruto sang as he took Kiba out for the second time that day, with a flying headbutt. The dog user threw a tantrum before leaving the field.
Unfortunately, Sasuke was next; the Uchiha taken out for the first time when Kyuubi finally nailed him with a diving tackle.
"God, what a bug! At least, they're separated. You're up, Naruto", Kyuubi warned.
The blonde gulped. Taking charge of the team, he tried to see if they could work a tie. So, he tried for another home run. Despite evading Shino, Choji and Hinata all in quick succession, he knew the true test was yet to come. So, as Kyuubi rushed for him, he deceived her with a well timed use of kawarimi (the instructors had a strict 'no jutsu' rule, if not he'd be kage bunshining their ass). However, his eyebrows rose in shock when Kyuubi also burst into a log of wood, the two jutsu clashing against each other.
"Gotcha!"
Try as he might, he just couldn't twist far enough to avoid the speeding blur that was Kyuubi, so he opted for parrying her tackle.
The two ended up on the ground; in a tangle of legs and dust, and Naruto knew his weight would squash Kyuubi were he not to take the brunt of the fall. So, he maneuvered them in such a way that it was his back sliding against the dirt, protecting her from the harshness of the ground.
For the briefest of moments, their lips were touching; her pink ones pressed soft and pliant against his, and her breasts squashing themselves into his bare chest. Naruto was reminded of how they first met. It seemed so long ago...
Kyuubi was off him the next second, however, a girlish grin on her face,
"Looks like I win, Naruto."
XXXXXXXXXX
As the rookies headed to the bath stalls, Sasuke limped by Kyuubi, who was sitting on a bench, listening to music on her phone. The girl smiled up at him and said 'hi' a little too loudly, probably because of the earphones she had on.
"What's up?", he asked.
"Nothing. Just chilling."
"I mean, what's up?", he repeated, gesturing at a shirtless Naruto who was chatting with Iruka and helping him to clear the field.
"What do you mean?"
"You could barely stand Naruto before but now you're acting differently; better even. What changed?"
"Nothing. Can't I talk to the people I want to?"
"Kyuubi."
"Sasuke."
"Kyuubi."
"I told you; it's nothing! I-just-found-out-that-Narutowasanorphan-and-realised-that-Imighthavebeen-tooharsh-on-him-so-now-I..."
The girl slapped her hands over her mouth in horror.
Sasuke sighed, "I thought as much. It's because of what Ibiki said this morning, isn't it?"
She nodded quietly.
"Look, Naruto's been an orphan since I've known him and the last thing he needs is anyone's pity. He loathes it. You're trying to be nice because you feel sorry for him, but that's fucked up. Stop seeing him as 'Naruto the orphan'; because he ended up better than most kids with families. Instead see him for who he is, because, were we in his shoes, he'd do no less."
Kyuubi looked down guiltily.
"Sorry. I didn't know he meant that much to you", she said.
"Hn. Don't beat yourself over it. Naruto really is a nice guy, I just want you to know that."
The fiery girl spared him a smile.
As he walked away, she couldn't resist so she called after his retreating back.
"Oh yeah, like Ino said; nice ass, Sasuke!"
The Uchiha tripped on his feet.
XXXXXXXXXX
The rest of the two weeks passed by in a blur of sports, lessons and rigorous training. Ibiki had them doing everything; from survival training to polefighting (Choji had trumped in that one) to tightrope walking (Naruto had fallen into the water numerous times) to weapons training (Sasuke was the god of all things pointy) and even playing shogi (boy, could Shikamaru think).
A Sasuke-fan club had been started by Ino and Sakura earlier in the week and Naruto had managed to get familiar with everyone around. Shino was cool, if you ignored his weird manner of speaking. Shikamaru and Choji had become some of his best buds; people he could easily catch a laugh with, Ino and Sakura were loud and hit him whenever they could, Hinata was cute but still weird, Kuichi was still too polite, Sai was still creepy (Naruto had yet to talk to the boy one on one), Kiba was still a mutt and Kyuubi; well, she had reverted back to being semi-irritable whenever he was around.
Still, life at the camp was good and as they sat through yet another one of Iruka's boring lessons, wherein he explained the history of the Oniwabanshu, Naruto was jolted awake by a comment he made.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll become genin; the primary structure of the Oniwabanshu, and you'd be appointed as apprentices to a jonin-sensei. It is only then that you'd be allowed to take on missions for the company. We'll meet again back in Konoha but as a chunin, I'll be your superior, of course."
"You seem pretty pleased with that, don't you?", Naruto commented, from his spot at the back of the hall.
"Be quiet, Naruto."
The blonde orphan and the instructor had gotten close during their time at the camp. Naruto liked Iruka's calm nature and the scarred man had seen the boy as someone he could mentor. He had learned a lot from Iruka, who shared with him his experiences on the job, but Naruto knew he would learn more from a jonin sensei.
Jonins were near the top of the Oniwabanshu heirarchy and it was a position that was awarded only by merit. That is to say, when you became a bad-ass of a merc, you become a jonin. He couldn't wait to meet one.
That night, they had a feast for dinner, as it was their last day. As usual, Ibiki wasn't to be seen but the three instructors shared a few, small bottles of sake with the kids. Naruto felt positively light-headed after this though he was a bit shocked with the discovery that Kyuubi could probably out-drink them all.
As they packed their bags in the dorm the following morning; Kiba throwing taunts over his back, Naruto had a feeling that he might miss the place. It had felt far more like home than his apartment in Konoha had and he couldn't deny the fact that he enjoyed the company (and lack of mice). Still, he shrugged it off, and went to join his peers for breakfast after which they assembled in the yard, as before, waiting for Ibiki to address them.
Kyuubi was eagerly texting on her phone by the time Ibiki arrived and a cough from him caused her to stuff it in her pocket. He eyed the students gathered before him and was reminded of this exact same setting, two weeks ago. In that short time, so much had changed. For one, they were standing much taller than before; even that Hyuga girl, and the gleam in their eyes told him that they had learnt more than just a little at the boot camp.
"I'm not going to give you any long message or victory speech. All I'm going to say is that after two weeks, I have watched all of you and decided which ones I have allowed to become genin..."
The teens waited with bated breath.
"...so I say; congratulations, all of you! You are now operatives of the Oniwabanshu company."
There was a brief moment where they all stood in stunned silence but then, Sasuke's 'hn' broke the silence, and soon almost everyone of them was whooping in joy.
"Shannaro!", Sakura yelled.
"Hai!", came Ino.
"Yeah, man. We the dogs!", obviously Kiba, but Naruto's 'believe it!' was by far, the loudest of them all.
"How troublesome", sighed Shikamaru.
Ibiki raised a hand and the pandemonium quickly died down.
"However, some of you would need to improve if you hope to survive in this world" - He looked pointedly at Kuichi and Hinata - "Still, this is for the best. So, I would be dividing you into groups of three and from there, four jonin sensei would be assigned to you."
Sasuke glanced sideways at Naruto and the blonde nodded in understanding. They would raise an uproar if they failed to be pitted in the same team.
"Team one", Ibiki continued, as he produced a sheet of paper containing information recorded by he and other instructors during the duration of the training.
'Let me be with Sasuke-kun. Let me be with Sasuke-kun', Ino and Sakura began chanting in their minds.
"This will be the interrogation and capture unit. Unfortunately, the decision was taken out of my hands as it was personally requested for by my superiors. Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji and Yamanaka Ino. You will make up the new generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio."
"What?", Ino yelled, causing Sakura to burst out laughing. "Not with those two bums!"
"Team two", Ibiki continued, not bothering to recognize the disturbance, "Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino and Hyuga Hinata. This will be the reconaissance and infiltration unit. Your family jutsu will benefit you here."
"Team three will be; Uchiha Sasuke..."
Sasuke tensed at this.
"Uzumaki Naruto..."
The Uchiha relaxed.
"And..."
'Let it be me. Let it be me', Sakura prayed frantically.
Ibiki was unsure about this. On paper, Haruno Sakura was needed to balance out the team but he was one with a sharp eye for dynamics. The Uchiha and the Uzumaki had shown promise and they needed someone who could keep up. Someone who wouldn't drag them behind.
"...And Hanataka Kyuubi."
Sakura immediately deflated while Ino blew her a raspberry and said, "In your face, billboard brow!"
"You will be the combat and tactical unit. While Sai, Haruno Sakura and Masahiro Kuichi will make up members of team four; the intelligence and strategy cell. Please note that until you become high chunin, this teams will be the primary unit via which missions will be undertaken. So, get acquainted with your teammates, they just might end up saving your lives."
A Humvee pulled up across the gates causing Ibiki to check the time on his watch.
"I guess it's time I take my leave. I am proud to have been your instructor and I look forward to working with you some time at the company. Good day."
He then proceeded to the jeep where an ANBU agent jumped out to get the door for him. He entered the passenger seat and then was gone along the road.
Shikamaru sighed.
"Well, that's the last of old man Ibiki", said Naruto, grinning heartily at Sasuke, "To be frank, I'm missing his work outs already. Wanna spar?"
The Uchiha rolled his eyes.
XXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX
I am very glad to say that I have, just now, begun writing the first major story arc of Ultimate Naruto (I wonder who can guess it?). It's a real blast and I hope you will all enjoy it when it is finally released. For now, I have two or so odd chapters of the Starter arc to publish and a few more central characters to introduce.
That said, who would you guys like to see randomly Ultimatized soon? I have reserved some spaces in the plot and you can ask for anyone; from Tora the cat to Yugito the Bakeneko and even; Yahiko from Akatsuki. Though, that might be a little too far-fetched, even for me, so, it might be better to keep it closer to home. You can PM me your suggestions or leave it in your review. All will be very much appreciated.
As for the pairing (FemKyu forever!), I know I haven't been too clear on that but when have I ever let down? Even if I know that this is my only work you have to base your judgement upon ;D The hints should be getting clearer with each chapter.
And yes, the name concept of Ultimate Naruto was inspired by Ultimate Marvel. It is basically taking the Naruto plotline and ultimatizing it my own way so that we can remember why we all originally loved this series even if the manga is finally going to blazes.
I hope to see you again next chapter. So, Ja ne and do have a crazy weekend!
Signed: Ki Sha
(PS: You'll find the review button at the bottom of this chapter)