Kanoko frowned at the people on the street as they passed. She was currently leaning against the side of a building, with her arms crossed. As each second passed, she felt her long lasting patience dwindle to nothing.
"What is taking him so long?" Kanoko thought, turning her head to the door of the men's bathroom. She knew Naruto was still in there, she could sense his presence. It hadn't flickered at all and no one had gone in there since.
…And Jiraiya was in there with him. Surely nothing has happened?
Kanoko huffed, glaring at the passing crowd again, "The idiot probably ate something bad again… When is he going to learn?" Kanoko's eye twitched, "If I'm not at home dealing with my infant of a brother (and father), then I'm on Naruto duty... I should have brought Sakura with me." After many "Naruto" incidents, Kanoko and Sakura worked out a fair and impartial system for selecting the one in charge of Naruto that day: Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Children with their parents and adults wandering around passed by her for several more minutes. Some ventured into the bathroom she was leaning against and after the third father with their child came out, Kanoko stopped them.
"Excuse me. I am waiting for my brother, can you tell me if he's ok?" Kanoko gave him the "lost child" look, making him sigh and leave his son with her while he went back in to check. When he came out Kanoko raised an eyebrow. The man scratched the back of his head, "…No one was in there."
.
.
.
Kanoko stared blankly at him, "…Excuse me?"
The man just grabbed his son's hand before answering her, "I'm sorry, but it looks like your brother left you…"
.
Kanoko's eye twitched dangerously.
.
.
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*SMASH*
Kanoko slammed her fist into the wall next to her, causing it to crack under the pressure. The man and his son quickly ran away as Kanoko's aura turned dark.
"Ha. Ha. HA." Kanoko started laughing in a dark and broken voice before fire rose up behind her.
Flashback
Jiraiya stood up, stretching out as he did, "To be honest, I was going to dump you off in the next town – skate out with Naruto while I had the chance, but…" Jiraiya looked Kanoko in the eyes and gave her a smirk, "I'm starting to like you, so I guess I'll keep you around."
"As if you could lose me." Kanoko thought, before turning to the door again.
End Flashback
"You're dead. I don't care if you're my student's student." Kanoko start stomping away, causing the ground to shake as she moved, "…You. Are. Dead."
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Kanoko stomped on top of the roof of one of the taller buildings in this town. She gritted her teeth, "I should have never let him know about my sensing skills." She thought, irritated at herself and how long it was taking her to find Naruto and Jiraiya.
Jiraiya, understanding the skills of a good sensor, placed a number of active seals throughout the town and surrounding forest (even on some of the birds in the air – that was awesome). These seals had Naruto's and Jiraiya's chakra – confusing her senses. To top of off, Jiraiya was probably concealing their chakra signatures, which was normally not an issue for Kanoko, but with all these distractions and seals, it was like finding the smallest needle in a needle stack…
Crouching down, her eyes scanned the area for clues. Her window of time was slowly closing. If she didn't find them soon… Kanoko had a feeling that Jiraiya was skilled at running and hiding from angry women seeking vengeance.
Her head jerked to the right. Her eye followed the chakra energy quickly making its way through the town. She knew Jiraiya would not make such a simple mistake, but a normal person doesn't move that fast – it had to be a ninja.
Kanoko narrowed her eyes, curious to why a shinobi would be moving like this through the town. Most ninja just calmly walked through villages and towns, to not gather attention. Making a decision, Kanoko dived down from the roof to the ally below and swiftly followed them from a distance. She knew she would have to keep her distance – in case they were a sensor as well.
When the shinobi stopped in an ally, she leaned her back onto the wall, around the corner from the ninja. Her eyes scanned the area, looking for a reflective surface to get a clear visual of the ninja when she dove to the ground – narrowly avoiding a kunai to the face.
Kanoko kicked the ground to push herself back as the ninja continued his assault in taijutsu. He quickly shot out towards her, sending a series of punches and kicks – using his fists, legs, knees, elbows - anything and everything.
Kanoko was barely keeping up – mostly evading his attacks by leaning side to side and backing up until she hit the wall. She grunted as he sent his fist into her stomach before grabbing it and using it to swing him around – smashing him into the wall with her body.
He coughed out in pain, struggling against her hold as she applied all her chakra into keeping him pinned. Kanoko stomped her foot down to further apply force into her elbow and side – squeezing him against the wall before pulling her sword out and holding it to his throat.
"You may look like ANBU, but clearly you need more training." Kanoko grunted out, pressing her sword against her throat, "But I would like to know why you are here and why you attacked me."
The ANBU didn't respond, he just continued to struggle against her. Kanoko was a little surprised he hadn't broke her hold yet. Even if he was a new ANBU member, he was, physically, very weak. Perhaps he had a special ability that made him essential, but if that was the case, where was his handler? Most new ANBU members had a mentor or handler and the special ones always had a handler nearby.
Kanoko pushed her chakra out, searching the area for another ninja – his partner or back up squad, but was puzzled when she found neither. She pressed her sword further into his throat, ripping the fabric. He flinched slightly, but was doing a decent job at keeping his cool.
"…I am impressed with your resolve." Kanoko put her sword away, pushing back as she said, "…Aburame Shino."
The shinobi before her tensed and stilled at her words. He stared at her for a long time before tentatively starting to move away – to flee the scene. Kanoko wasn't about stop him. Suddenly, he stopped on his own to look back at Kanoko, "…No one ever remembers me… Why?"
Kanoko raised an eyebrow, remembering his quirk about asking why and then answering his own question. After waiting a moment, she gave him a blank look, "I don't forget those that I deem important to know." Which was true – in a way. Kanoko felt telling him the truth: that she rarely forgot anyone, on the off chance that they became a threat one day – would be the wrong answer. He seemed a little lost and a little lonely – something that continues to make her flinch when Naruto gives her that look, so she decided to provide a gentler answer.
It seemed to work, as Shino, mask and ANBU attire still on, looked at her before answering, "…I was on a mission, but was told to go home."
Kanoko's eyebrow rose higher, "Why would he be told to leave after the mission began, and not before?" Instead of voicing her thought, Kanoko looked around before speaking, "…Doesn't look like Konoha to me."
Shino nodded, "I… Decided to continue. Why? Because I am worried and want to help."
Kanoko sighed internally, remembering how much his little "quirk" irritated her. However, she was still interested in his mission, "What are you worried about?"
Shino didn't respond, causing Kanoko to sigh internally as she crossed her arms, "I shouldn't be pressuring him to tell me confidential village missions… Even if the circumstances leave me uneasy. It is not my place."
Nodding slightly to herself, Kanoko asked, "I understand that you cannot tell me your mission, but if you need help – I'll do what I can." Kanoko paused to look at him with a small smirk, "If you help me track someone down…"
She saw Shino twitch slightly. Kanoko wasn't sure if was because of her smirk or if it was because he was happy to be needed – she knew how hard it was, starting off in the ANBU unit. Not that she ever took part, but she helped train many of them when it was formed and knew that the first year was always the hardest – feeling useless and like deadweight to their team.
Kanoko also suspected the lack of ninjas his age also played a part. When created Tobirama the ANBU, he didn't intend for it to be staffed by children. He had seen the benefit - no doubt. Very few people, including ninjas, suspected children to be assassins or spies, but he also saw many flaws in inducting children into such a segregated organization – whose job was literally completing the worst jobs the village had to offer.
Children are very influential and don't always know how to process their emotions like adults. This can lead to a large range mental illnesses, not to mention the risk of them dying before adulthood.
Hashirama was also against the very principle, so Tobirama shied away from the idea. Clearly, things had changed since then, if Shino was an ANBU Black Ops member.
"…Who are you looking for?" Shino asked, void of emotion, but eager to help.
Kanoko pulled out a picture taken at one of the towns she, Naruto, and Jiraiya had visited. All three of them were standing in front of a rather sleazy joint, but Naruto wanted something to remember his trip by and had a stranger take a picture of the three of them.
Point to Jiraiya, she said, "I'm looking for Uzumaki Naruto – our goofball classmate, and this man, Jiraiya."
Shino stared at the picture while Kanoko internally cursed his mask, wishing she could read his expression. Shino straightened back up and looked at Kanoko before nodding, "…I will help you."
Kanoko smiled slightly at him, which she was sure came out more as a smirk, before putting the picture back in her pocket, "Thank you Shino."
Shino nodded before raising his hand to let out some bugs. Kanoko watched as they left before turning back to him, "You weren't bad… Before – when we fought, but you're physical strength is lacking. That being said, why did you attack me with taijutsu instead of using your insects?" Kanoko was very curious as to why he did not go all out on her – especially when she got the upper hand.
Shino was silent before speaking in a low tone, "…My oni-san once told me to cherish my friends – for they are important."
Kanoko's eyebrow shot up immediately, "Friend?" Deciding to address it, she spoke, "Forgive me. I do not remember communicating much with you during the academy."
Instead of correcting her or making an excuse, Shino simply nodded before one of his bugs flew back to him, joining his collective under his clothes, "…They are at a pub, near the edge of town…"
Kanoko looked at him impressed, "That was fast…"
Shino was silent again before explaining, "My bugs were in the area… Looking for another…"
Kanoko nodded, "Let me know if you require my assistance in your mission." Kanoko crouched to leap towards a building, but stopped before she completed her movement.
Kanoko's former brother's, Hashirama's, face appeared in her head – smiling like an idiot as he was prone to be.
"I want to create a place where children will never have to die again."
The first time Hashirama told Tobirama that, they were still kids themselves, but he never gave up on that dream of his. With every family member they lost, after kid's neck he snapped, every time before battle, he would get this look and tell Tobirama why he continued to fight: For a better future.
"The fellow countrymen of the Konoha make up each part of my body… those of the village believe in me, and I believe in them… That's what it means to be Hokage!" Hashirama's voice rang in her head again.
Of course, Tobirama was more practical, understanding the world for what it was: Messy. So, he acted accordingly – doing things his brother would not, but never betraying his ideology.
And then he was reborn as Nara Kanoko and all he saw around him were the things he created for a purpose being used in ways that would disappoint his brother greatly.
Even her own words started to haunt her.
"Saru, you must protect those who have faith in you and who love the village, and train up to those to whom you can entrust the next generation…"
It was this self-placed responsibility and guilt that made her turn around Shino.
She stared at him for a moment before saying, "You know… If you are no longer "officially" on this mission of yours, and are trying to lay low while you track your team down, why don't you join me? I'm sure Naruto would like to see you again. He treasures all of his friends greatly – he's weird like that." Kanoko finished with a smirk, "If Naruto remembers. Shino wasn't the most noticeable ninja in our academy…"
Shino stilled, unsure. Kanoko continued, "Of course, you would have to change out of your ANBU uniform and walk around as Aburame Shino for once."
Even with the self-inflicted guilt, Kanoko wasn't really sure why she was being so open and kind with Shino. She rarely even acted like this to her own twin, but something about Shino's situation and his lost attitude also brought out her "sensei" side as well.
Kanoko shrugged when Shino didn't respond or move. Figuring it to be a pointless if he wasn't willing, she turned to start on her journey again when she heard a soft, "I can't change. Why? Because I have nothing to change into…"
Kanoko chuckled lowly before stating the obvious, "Lose the mask, vest, and steal a jacket – easy." When Shino shifted nervously she sighed, "Go ahead. I'll wait here for you – but don't take too long."
Shino nodded before disappearing.
Kanoko tapped her foot with her arms crossed as she looked up at the sky. It had been three weeks now and she vaguely wondered what happened after she left. She knew her brother would be a little ticked at her for leaving him by himself to dealing with "Nara Drill Sergeant" – as her father was now being dubbed, but she wondered about the rest of them...
She shook her head, "Cht. I'm getting soft..."
00000000000000000000000000000000
Shikamaru stared up at the clouds with his eyes half open. He was flat on his back, his arms loosely at his side while the wind blew at the grass – tickling his face. He was completely exhausted. His arms and legs ached, and his whole body tingled from overexertion.
"It's just not fair…" He thought, not moving an inch.
The sky was particularly blue with plenty of oddly shaped clouds floating by. The trees were rustling lightly and the area was silent - outside the various animals and insects going about their day.
He gave the sky an envious look, "It's just not fair… Why couldn't I have been born a cloud? Having no responsibilities, no worries, no bi-polar fathers, no angry mothers… That would be the life… Just floating along, in whatever direction the wind takes me…"
Finding peace in imagining himself as a cloud, he slowly closed his eyes and started drifting to sleep….
.
.
.
"SHIKAMARU!"
Shikamaru's eye twitched, "I should have picked a spot with taller grass…" He kept his eyes closed as he felt someone run up to him.
"There you are you lazy bum! What do you think you're doing, huh?! We need to train!" Ino shouted at him, crossing her arms and scowling at him.
Shikamaru ignored her. Ever since the Chunin Exams, Ino has been doing nothing, but training. The defeat of Team Asuma was a hard reality for her to accept – add on losing to Sakura and Ino just could not let it go. Every day, she'd drag Shikamaru and Choji (sometimes even Asuma-sensei) out of their homes to train until dusk.
Shikamaru tried to use the, "I'm still recovering" excuse, but there was just no reasoning with Ino when she got like this.
Ino scoffed, stomping her feet and bending slightly with her hands on her hips, "Don't even try that on me!"
"Come on Shikamaru… You know Ino's just going to yell at you until you move." Choji told him plainly while munching on a bag of chips. Choji knew that his teammates were reaching a breaking point with each other, but wasn't sure what he could do. He didn't mind training with Ino and he didn't mind cloud watching with Shikamaru, so he was at an impasse at what to do.
Shikamaru just shrugged before frowning, "…Troublesome…" He looked at the sky in envy again before sighing and slowly moving to his feet. Standing up he stuck his hands in his pockets and looked over at Ino, "Between you and my father, I'm going to die from overexertion…"
"Pff! With all that energy you have stored up from moving as little as possible, I doubt it!" Ino told him, before grabbing him by the arm and dragging him towards the training grounds – Choji following behind quietly.
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Shikamaru sighed. Ino and Choji (who was surprisingly into the whole "training" thing) had finally relented and they were now walking down the streets of Konoha, looking for a place to eat. Ino had firmly put her foot down – refusing to eat at the barbeque place again. Shikamaru agreed, mostly because Asuma-sensei wasn't around to foot the bill and the barbeque place was rather expensive.
Instead, they were looking for a less expensive restaurant to dine at.
Which is how they came across a depressing looking Sakura.
"Sakura?" Ino asked, running up to her friend.
Shikamaru sighed, they last thing he needed in his already ruined day was another girl.
Sakura looked up to see Team Asuma and gave them a small smile, "What are you guys up to?" Ino shrugged, "Trying to find a place to eat. Wanna join?" Ino finished with a smile.
Sakura looked away unsure, before her stomach growled, causing her to blush, "…That sounds great." Ino giggled at her friend before hooking arms with her and dragging her away from the boys for girl talk.
"Sooo. I bet you were visiting Sasuke!" Ino pointed at her, "Don't think I'm going to be losing to you anytime soon, billboard brow! They only reason you won in the Chunin Exams was because I got stuck with the lazy Nara twin!" Ino finished with a large grin, taking any malice out of the statements.
Sakura grinned back, "Still sour over that Ino-pig? I can see such a big loss is taking its toll on you – is that a wrinkle I see?!"
"Why you..!" Ino shouted, pointing at Sakura before both girls burst out laughter and grinning largely at each other.
Shikamaru gave them a disturbed look before muttering to Choji, "I'm pretty sure that they're insulting each other, but they're laughing like they're best buds…"
Choji shrugged, "Girls are scary." He reasoned, not finding any other expansion valid.
Shikamaru nodded, eyebrows raised, "How right you are, Choji. How right you are…"
"Hey guys! Wait up!"
The four genin turned their heads around to see Neji and Lee running their way, Tenten following behind.
"I WILL NOT BE BEATEN BY YOU NEJI! I WILL BE FIRST TO THE RAMEN BAR! FOR MY YOUTH BURNS WITH TH- SAKURA-CHAN!" Lee shouted, running past Neji and stopping in front of Sakura with a ground breaking skid.
"Sakura-chan! My beautiful cherry blossom! You are looking extra special today, if I could be so forward!" Lee exclaimed out. Sakura quickly leaned back and away from Lee.
Choji looked over to Neji and Tenten, slightly curious, "You guys are looking for a place to eat too?"
Neji ignored him, but Tenten answered with a smile, "Yep! We just finished up training with Gai-sensei and decided to have a team dinner!"
Ino clapped her hands, "Why don't we all go together!"
Sakura leaned over to Ino to whisper, "What?! Come one…" Ino just snickered at her friend before Lee jumped in the air, shouting, "I would love to dine with you Sakura-chan!"
Sakura just sweat dropped before sighing and smiling slightly.
All six of them eventually found a sit down restaurant. After ordering their drinks and food, they quickly started some conversations.
"So what have you guys been up to, outside of training?" Ino asked Tenten. Tenten smiled nervously, pouring herself some tea, "Just training… These two knuckleheads got their pride damaged in the match with Team Kakashi. Even Gai-sensei has been depressed about it."
"Gai-sensei… I'M SO SORRY!" Lee shouted, shaking his fist and tears forming in his eyes.
"Lee! What did we say about your inside voice?!" Neji glared at him.
Lee sighed, mumbling, "One notch above whispering when indoors…"
Sakura and Ino giggled. Choji, finishing his tea with a large gulp, "You can't laugh Ino… You're doing the same thing." Ino glared at her teammate for his betrayal, "Shut up Choji! It's not the same!"
Shikamaru scoffed, "Yeah… The fact that you're training day and night – waking me up from my much needed sleep – it's not the same at all…" He drawled out, irritated from the lack of sleep. His father continued to wake him up before the sun rose and since Kanoko was away – gallivanting around the countryside – all of his father's attention was on him.
"What about you Sakura?" Tenten asked, trying to change the conversation before Ino reached out and strangled her teammates.
Sakura shift nervously with a small blush on her cheeks, "Oh… You know…" Ino laughed at her friend, "Visiting Sasuke, I bet!" Sakura turned pink at the accusation – even though it was true.
Lee looked up, "How is he doing? I heard Gai-sensei say that he was suffering from some kind of genjutsu…"
Sakura nodded, "That's all they really know… He hasn't woken up yet. Hinata is with him most of the time, so she would know more, but…"
Shikamaru interrupted, "Naruto and Jiraiya are looking for an expert healer to help him – and Kakashi-sensei."
Sakura looked over at Shikamaru, "Don't forget Kanoko! She's out there too!" Not long after Kanoko left to chase Naruto, Sakura went around looking for Kanoko so they could continue training. When she couldn't find her, she asked the Naras, who told her that Kanoko went after Naruto and Jiraiya.
Ino smirked, chuckling evilly, "Oh, no one can forget that – especially not that jounin with the senbon in his mouth."
Lee place a finger on his chin in thought, "Isn't that Genma-san? Gai-sensei introduced us to him once."
Ino nodded, "Daddy told me, well my mom, an interesting story about when Kanoko's father, the jounin commander, found out that she ran away." Everyone leaned in to listen – except for Shikamaru, who just sighed dramatically.
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Genma stared at the door, half his shirt torn to shreds and his face covered in scratches. His eye twitched uncontrollable and his arms were lax at his side.
"Ha! I don't believe you!" Kotetsu said, walking by Genma's pitiful form with Izumo before stopping to look at him, "Genma…?"
Izumo, curious, leaned past Kotetsu to see what was going on. His eyebrows rose up at the sight, "Why are you just standing there…. And what happened to you?"
"Genma had the unfortunate luck of being on board patrol duty three weeks ago." Asuma chuckled, walking up slowly from the other direction – having just finished another mission.
Kotetsu was confused, "…This happened to you during guard duty… Three weeks ago?"
Genma glared at all of them, but not offering an explanation. Asuma laughed harder, not wanting to pass up messing with his former classmate, "Haha! I bet he wishes! From the looks of it, you had to deal with Tora, right?" Asuma rubbed his chin, looking over all the scratches, "…That cat has related to the two tailed beast or something..." He mumbled as Genma narrowed his eyes further.
"Why don't you go mind your own business, Sarutobi…" Genma drawled out, annoyance in his voice.
Asuma just laughed, but walked away anyways.
Izumo watched Asuma walk away before turning back to Genma, who was still debating walking through the door. Izumo looked at the door, "Hey Kotetsu… Isn't that Nara-san's office?"
Kotetsu raised an eyebrow, "…Yeah." He looked over at Genma, "Why don't you just go in? Shikaku's cool, he won't mind…" Which was true. Nara Shikaku was pretty lax and always treated his subordinates with kindness – even when they were acting like children.
Genma just grumbled at them before pushing through the door, closing it roughly behind him.
Izumo and Kotetsu looked at each other in confusion. Izumo put a finger on his chin, "What do you think Asuma-san meant by Genma being on patrol duty three weeks ago?"
Kotetsu took a moment to think about it, "…I don't know… But I bet Aoba knows!"
They quickly made their way to the tower's lunch room, where many of the jounin and special jounin gather. "Hey Aoba!" Kotetsu called out, walking up to Aoba at the table with Asuma, Kurenai and Raido.
He turned his head around, "Oh, Kotetsu, Izumo. Whacha guys need?" Asuma, already suspecting where this is going, leaned back in his chair with a cocky smirk.
"What happened to Genma three weeks ago during guard duty?" Izumo asked, getting straight to the point, really curious now.
Aoba sweat dropped before laughing nervously, "Genma's going to kill me if I say anything…" Asuma barked out a laugh, "Now you have to tell them!"
Kurenai shot him a nasty look, "Asuma! You're just lucky your neck isn't on the chopping block after the state Shikamaru ended up in during the Chunin Exams!"
"Oh no! That's alllll Kakashi's doing. I took no part in both of Shikaku's children ending up in the hospital – for days." Asuma said quickly, shaking his hands.
Raido chuckled, "It was funny to watch Kakashi diving behind trash cans every time Shikaku was in the vicinity." Aoba joined in laughing, "Haha! And remember when Shikaku strolled up lazily behind Kakashi – scaring the daylights out of him! Hahaha! They still haven't repaired the hole in the ceiling where Kakashi hit his head – jumping in fright!"
Kotetsu and Izumo blinked at them before focusing them back to the point, "Is that why Genma didn't want to go into Shikaku-san's office?"
Asuma chuckled lowly, "Sort of." He turned to them, "You see, Genma was on patrol duty three weeks ago – when Nara Kanoko ran away to find Naruto and Jiraiya-sannin." Aoba, feeling better that Asuma was the one to spill the beans, tacked on, "So Shikaku has been assigning Genma that worst D-ranked missions that come in. I heard today it was Tora the cat!"
Asuma barked out a laugh, "It was. You should have seen him! His shirt was falling off from all the claw marks!"
Everyone at the table either laughed or chuckled at Genma's pain.
"I hate all of you…"
They turned around to see a sulking Genma, with a toddler on his shoulders and puke in his hair. Aoba and Raido quickly held a hand to their mouth to stop from laughing while Kurenai turned her face – trying not to laugh as well.
Asuma just rolled out of his chair, tears in his eyes, "AHAHAHAHA!"
Genma tried to kill him with his gaze while the toddler tried to reached out for Genma's senbon – pulling on his cheek painfully in the process.
"You know Kotetsu… I think this is a good time to leave… Before we get caught in something unfortunate." Izumo said to his friend, staring at the crazy jounin in front of them. Kotetsu nodded, "…Yeah. Good call Izumo."
They quickly made their way out of the lunch room – now fully aware to never get on Nara Shikaku's bad side.
00000000000000000000000000000000
Naruto grumbled as he walked, hands firmly clasped around his backpack straps. Jiraiya sighed for what felt like the millionth time, "Oh come on kid! We had to get rid of her! She was going to mess up everything!"
Naruto muttered, "…You just didn't like being told off by her…"
Jiraiya's eye twitched, "That might be true… But I wasn't going to let Rokumaru's granddaughter screw this mission up – I can't trust anything from that man."
Naruto grumbled some more before his stomach growled loudly. He turned to Jiraiya who just chuckled before looking around for a place to eat at and gather more information. Finding a shady little pub, he walked over to it. Naruto gave him a dirty look, "This is a pub! What do you think you're up to old man? I'm underage, you know!"
Jiraiya gave him an annoyed look, "This is exactly the kind of place to gather information on Tsunade!"
"But I'm hungry! Can't we gather information on this old lady another time!" Naruto whined.
"Look. They serve food here. Let's just go in. Standing here debating about it isn't doing us any favors." Jiraiya said, trying to sound logical, but was just too tired to argue. It was more effort than he thought: Getting Kanoko off of his trail.
Naruto just grumbled, walking into the restaurant, "…I don't understand how you think you're going to find this great and amazing lady in a place like this."
Jiraiya followed in behind him sighing, "I don't expect to find her here, but the patrons and employees may know something about her whereabouts…" Jiraiya trailed off as his jaw dropped.
Sitting at one of the tables was a drunk, busty blonde with a nervous brunette next to her, and a small pig on the seat. Jiraiya raised his shaking hand in the air to point at her, with his mouth wide open, "T-Tsunade!"
Tsunade looked up in panic, thinking it to be a debt collector, before calming down before her anger caught up to her, "Jiraiya! How did you find me?!"
Jiraiya just face-palmed.
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Kanoko walked steady with Shino trailing next to her, just a step behind her as they walked into the pub. Her eyes quickly sought out that eye blinding blonde hair and immediately spotted it in of the crowd. Honestly though, she didn't even need to look. Kanoko would have easily found Naruto – due to all the yelling he was doing.
As they approached the table, the blonde woman across from Naruto slammed her foot down onto the table he was standing on, "You got guts kid! Let's take this outside!"
"Let's not." Kanoko drawled out, getting tired of all the theatrics. She could only handle so much stupidity in one day.
"Ah!" Jiraiya yelled, letting go of Naruto's shirt and jumping back from Kanoko form. Kanoko just lifted her head to look down at him as she plotted in her revenge in her head.
"Whoereyou?!" The blonde woman slurred out – clearly having had too much alcohol. Kanoko gave her a dull look before ignoring her and turning to Naruto, "What did Sakura and I tell you about picking fights with strangers?"
Naruto pouted before looking down and mumbling, "…Not in public places, especially if civilians are present…" Kanoko crossed her arms, giving Naruto a stern look, "And this is why I never had kids." She thought before using her "sensei" voice to tell Naruto, "And to stop doing it, completely."
Naruto just roughly sat down, on the table, cross-legged with his arms crossed and started grumbling about never getting to do anything fun and exciting.
"Because fighting with strangers of unknown power levels is fun and exciting… No wonder this kid is a disaster magnet!" Kanoko thought before turning back to Jiraiya to give him a piece of her mind when the lady jumped up again.
"HAHA! Wimp! Your girlfriend shows up and in an instant she has you by your balls!" She shouted, laughing loudly – rudely disturbing the other customers.
"What a vulgar woman you are. Your ancestors must be ashamed for having such an unruly and bad-mannered child as yourself." Kanoko told her, upset by the attention she was creating on them and her words to Naruto.
She just hiccupped and smirked, "Well they're all dead fools, so who gives a rat's ass!"
"Lady Tsunade!" The brunette hissed at Tsunade for being so rude, "Maybe it's time to get going…"
.
.
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Tsunade?
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.
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Oh HELL NO.
.
Kanoko bit hard on her bottom lip as her eye twitched uncontrollably. She curled her fingers into fists before stretching them out into open palms, to relieve some anger. Kanoko felt her blood start to boil just before Naruto shouted again.
"No way am I letting you off the hook so easily for what you said about the Hokage!" He shouted, pointing aggressively at Tsunade, "What, are you afraid to take me on?!"
"Not on your life punk!" Tsunade responded, moving her companion out of the way as the both of them moved to leave the pub.
"Lady Tsunade!" The other lady yelled, chasing after her with the small pig in her arms.
Kanoko quickly chased after them as her eyes darkened to a brown-red color. Shino casually following her out.
Jiraiya blinked as everyone left him before sighing – tired from everything. He took a sip of his sake before his eyes went wide.
"HEY! I CAN'T PAY FOR THIS!"
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Naruto and Tsunade faced each other, a few feet in between them. All of them, including a teary eyed Jiraiya, were standing out on the street.
Tsunade smirked, "A legendary sannin taking on a snotty little genin? I should be ashamed at myself." She said confidently with her hands on her hips.
Kanoko rubbed her forehead in frustration, "This is all your fault Hashirama. I take no responsibility for this."
"Who're you callin' snotty?" Naruto growled out, his tone low.
In response, Tsunade lifted her arm and held up one finger – her pointer finger. Jiraiya sighed, annoyed at his former teammate, "Oh… Stop trying to show off."
She ignored him. Eyes firm on Naruto she said, "You see this? One finger is all I need to take you down. Well? What are you waiting for kid?" She finished with a cocky smirk.
That tore through Naruto, causing him to charge at her with a battle call. Swiftly and efficiently, Tsunade countered his attack with that one finger before flicking him in the forehead.
Sending him back several feet.
"To see a Senju act so recklessly... There is no question that she is your granddaughter. " Kanoko thought with a sneer on her face. Curious, she looked over to Shino - whose posture was stiff with amazement, "Although, I suppose she does put on an impressive show."
Standing on his feet, Naruto looked back at Tsunade. He also shocked and impressed by her skill.
Tsunade gave Naruto a bland look, "Kid. Tell me this. What makes you so touchy about the Hokage?" Her eyes turned cold as she assessed Naruto.
Kanoko watched Tsunade, already knowing what Naruto's answer was going to be.
Naruto chuckled, "It's because, unlike you, that's my goal." He smirked, "Just watch, someday I'm going to be Hokage. To be Hokage – that is my dream! Believe it!"
Tsunade's eyes widened, staring straight into Naruto's determined eyes, "That boy..!" She then turned her face to the ground, thinking about her little brother and lover. Kanoko lazily turned her gaze to Naruto – already knowing how this was going to play out. A lot of people said Naruto's actions were sporadic and surprising, but Kanoko begged to differ. When you're forced to be around Naruto enough, things start to become predictable.
…You may question your sanity by the end though…
Kanoko's eyebrow raised slightly as chakra gathered in Naruto's hands, "Well… Looks like Jiraiya isn't that bad of a sensei after all." Kanoko thought as Naruto raced towards Tsunade with this new jutsu.
Tsunade's eyes widened, "That jutsu!" Tsunade quickly brought her hand down - splitting the ground below Naruto apart, causing him to falter in his movement, and be blown back. Kanoko quickly leaped out to grab him before he fell in the fissure.
Shino didn't move from his position, but spoke his thoughts out loud to the brunette lady next to him, "She split the ground. How? With only her finger… Amazing."
Kanoko placed Naruto on the ground and gave him a bland look while she checked for injuries.
Tsunade turned to Jiraiya, "Jiraiya! Are you the one that taught this little brat the Rasengan?!" Jiraiya scoffed, "Well of course I did. I'm his teacher, aren't I?! What of it?"
Tsunade laughed indignantly, "You and the fourth are the only ones that can use it. Teaching it to a brat that has no hope in ever using it?! Filling his head with false hopes! MAKING HIM THINK HE COULD ACTUALLY BE HOKAGE?!"
Kanoko's head swiftly turned to her "grandniece" and crossed her arms, "Anyone with the strength and will to love and protect the village with all they have may become the Hokage. Naruto may have a long way to go, but he's years ahead of you in becoming the Leaf Village's leader – despite what this old perverted fool would lead you to believe." Kanoko thought before walking up to Tsunade, her eyes narrowed and cold, "…Your grandfather would be mortified to see the light of his life, his first granddaughter, speak so cruelly to the future of the Hidden Leaf Village."
Tsunade's face turned to one of rage, "What would you know?! You're just another brat with stupid hopes and false realities!"
Kanoko stared long and hard at Tsunade before exhaling and uncrossing her arms. She looked up at Tsunade with grief and disappointment before shaking her head and walking away.
Tsunade stiffened as her eyes went wide, "H-How... HOW DARE YOU LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT?! ONLY MY OOJI-SAN TREATED ME IN THIS WAY!" Tsunade was suddenly reminded of every time she would do something that her granduncle deemed disappointing for someone of her status – like "pretend" gambling. Sometimes it felt like he was always displeased with her – constantly raising the bar on her and preventing her from ever meeting his standards.
Kanoko just shook her head, "Just leave and go do… whatever it is that you do these days. I'm confident that Naruto will master this jutsu – that is apparently so impressive – and when he does, maybe we'll name him as Hokage. At least he has what it takes – unlike you." Kanoko didn't really mean the whole "make Naruto Hokage" thing, but she wanted to make her words sting. She was beyond herself with shame and disappointment for Tsunade's words and actions – it was not something Tobirama could tolerate.
"Oh? Is that so…" Tsunade said slowly, before raising a fist up and pointing at Kanoko, "Then how about a bet…"
Everyone there turn to Tsunade with a raised eyebrow as she continued, "If your little boyfriend can master that jutsu in a week, then I'll admit I'm wrong. I'll even throw in my necklace."
Kanoko's eyes traveled to her neck, "That's- That's oni-san's neckless! HOW DARE SHE AUCTION IT OFF IN A BET?!" Kanoko was stewing in rage again - her teeth gritting.
Tsunade smirked, knowing that she had caught Kanoko in her trap, "But if he doesn't master is in a week, you lose and you both have to admit I'm right… AND you, girly…" Tsunade smirked wickedly, "You are going to pay me five hundred thousand ryo – don't think I don't know who you are: Nara Kanoko. You look just like your mother and you have your father's tongue."
"Fi-Five hundred thousand ryo?!" Naruto exclaimed, going pale before looking over to Kanoko who didn't flinch and just kept her gaze firm on Tsunade.
"Deal." Kanoko said firmly.
"What?! KANOKO!" Naruto shouted, not wanting to be responsible for that much money. Kanoko swiftly turned her gaze to him, "You will be learning this jutsu – even if you must die to do so."
"If Naruto dies, then you will lose the bet…" Shino said, being one of the last sane people there.
"Yeah! What he said!" Naruto sighed in relief, looking over to Shino, "Uhh… Who are you?"
Naruto took a step back as the aura around Shino went dark in depression, "…You don't remember me."
"*cough*Shino*cough*" Kanoko coughed out to Naruto. Thankfully, this was one of the few times he was listening to her and turned to Shino, "Oh yeah! You're Shino! I remember you now! You had the… bugs, right?"
Shino perked up a little, not really expecting Naruto to remember. Naruto started chuckling, "I remember when you helped Kiba and I by planting a large beetle in Iruka-sensei's desk! He jumped back so quickly that he whacked his head on the chalk board – causing it to fall down on his head."
Shino thought about it for a second before responding, "Ahh, yes. My father was not happy at me when I got back." Naruto scratched the back of his head, feeling a little guilty. Shino continued, "But it was nice… Hanging out with you guys…"
Tsunade scoffed at their "moment" before turning around and calling to her companion, "Come one Shizune! We're out of here!"
Kanoko looked over, watching Tsunade's back as she left.
"You are not the little girl I remember, Tsunade." Kanoko thoughts drifting to a familiar grinning face: Her eyes shut as she laughed and her blonde hair catching the wind as she ran around.
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Later, after Shino, Kanoko, Naruto and Jiraiya had found an Inn to stay at for the night, Shizune came banging at their door. She took a moment to beg Naruto and Kanoko to stop the bet before yelling at them for their indifference.
"You don't understand… Anyone that wears that necklace… Dies." She said with a broken voice. Before anyone could ask, Shizune continued, "And you don't understand what Lady Tsunade has been through… What she has lost…"
Shino, Kanoko and Naruto waited patiently for Shizune to finish the story of Tsunade's past: The loss of her little brother and lover. When she was done, she asked them, "Do you understand now?"
Naruto just walked out to the door. "Wait!" Shizune said, but Naruto ignored her. She turned to Kanoko, "What is he going to do?!"
Kanoko shrugged, "Train. What did you think?"
Shizune's eyes widened, "Why don't you guys understand?!"
"We do." Kanoko explained, "But it doesn't excuse her behavior. Do you think that her grandfather never lost anyone? He lost his family, his clansmen, and his best friend – he lost more than most, but he never gave up on his dream: A better future for all." Kanoko looked out the window, "Can you even imagine what this world would be, if after losing one of his little brothers, he just gave up?"
Shizune looked down, suddenly at a loss for words.
Kanoko continued, completely serious, "…That's why I said Naruto could be the Hokage one day – if he continues to work hard and get stronger. He doesn't let the bad of the world cloud the good he sees in it. His heart and dreams burn as brightly as the first Hokage's – it's an important trait to have in a Hokage." Kanoko's eyes drifted down, "A trait that I lack… And look how that turned out."
Kanoko walked over to the window and smirked as she watched Naruto race to the area outside of town, "But there's always hope for the future – so long as you never give up on your dreams."
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It was night six and the only things heard were the echoes of the night and small boom sounds from Naruto's attempts in mastering the Rasengan.
Kanoko and Shino watched, perch on nearby large rocks. Shino had just joined them and was in a bit of a sour mood – upset that he still hadn't found who he was looking for. Kanoko was getting worried. Five days and he was still in the area, which meant, whatever the mission was, it would occur around here.
She wasn't comfortable with the coincidence.
That thought aside, when he wasn't patrolling the town and surrounding area, Shino was here helping Naruto in any way he could. Kanoko was a little surprised at first, but then remember Naruto's weird ability to pull people towards him like bears to honey.
"So he has to focus all of his chakra into that small ball and maintain it?" Shino asked, watching Naruto blast part of a tree away, "Even as he is now, the jutsu is quite power. I would not like to get hit with it…"
Kanoko nodded, "The jutsu is definitely a powerful one, but chakra control has never been Naruto's specialty. I'm honestly quite impressed with his progress so far." Kanoko moved her eyes to Naruto's panting body. "It occurs to me, that I could tell him about the Shadow Clone unintended benefit… It would speed up this process… I just don't know if I want to open up that particular brand of Pandora's box. I think I'll wait until he's a little older – more mature…"
In frustration, Naruto wailed out a battle cry while he blasted that area with his incomplete Rasengan – draining himself further. Kanoko sweat-dropped, "Yep. Waiting a few years… For sure."
It wasn't long before Naruto fell on the ground, face first. Concerned, Shino walked over to him before staring at his back, "Your hand… It's taking too much damage." He bent down and pulled out some bandages and cream. He reached out to grab Naruto's hand, but stopped.
Kanoko walked over, curious, "Why did you stop?"
Shino looked up and her before looking back at Naruto, "I didn't want to evade his space."
Naruto just rolled over and sat crisscross, "I don't mind, so long as it helps me learn this jutsu!" Naruto finished with a large grin before shoving his hand in Shino's direction.
"It will not. Why? Because this is just meant to help your injuries, not aid you in learning a complicated jutsu from the fourth Hokage." Shino told him.
Naruto gave him a dull look, " Ha. Ha. Aren't you just full of laughs."
Kanoko just smirked, "Watch it Naruto… You're starting to sound like me." Naruto turned his head, hand sticking out as Shino started wrapping it, "Ack! Nooooo!"
Shino raised an eyebrow, "I never thought the two of you would become friends…" Naruto looked back at him, confused, "Huh? Why is that?"
Kanoko just gave Naruto an unbelievable look, "You can't be serious… You made me your rival the first day we met."
Naruto crossed his arms and huffed at Kanoko, "Well… You're the one that insulted me – acting all high and mighty!" Kanoko crossed her arms as well, "I was not." They glared at each other while Shino stared at the two – not surprised by the change.
Naruto turned suddenly to Shino, a lightbulb going off in his head, "Hey! That reminds me! What happened to you after the academy? You just disappeared!"
Kanoko looked to Shino, interested to see how he answers. Shino was silent as his body stiffened, "…I was selected to serve a different role for the village." Naruto stared at him confused, "Huh? What do you mean? Like… You're no longer a ninja?"
Shino shook his head, "…No. I'm a different type of ninja."
"I still don't get it! Just be clear and stop talking in puzzles!" Naruto grumbled out, rubbing his chin, trying to understand what Shino was saying. Deciding to save Shino, Kanoko interrupted, "By the way Shino. You said that you were looking for your friends – how come you're still here?"
"You're looking for your friends?" Naruto asked, suddenly very curious.
Shino paused, "Hai… But I cannot find them. My insects are being repelled…" Kanoko's eyebrow rose greatly, "Being repelled… Only those of your clan are able to do that, right?" Shino slowly began to nod, "…Hai."
Naruto looked between them before asking his own question, "…Well, we can help you. Kanoko does this weird "sensing" thing where she can just tell where people are and Jiraiya is good at following leads and stuff. It's how we found the useless old lady."
Kanoko nodded, "He's right, but I don't know anything about your friends. If I don't know their chakra signature, then I won't know what to look for – and if they are trying to suppress it, then my field of vision becomes more limited." Kanoko paused for a moment, thinking how she could turn this around to her benefit, "Perhaps if I knew how many, I could start searching for groups of people and point your insects in the correct direction?"
Shino was silent again, "…You would really help me? Even if it meant delaying you in your current mission?"
Naruto tilted his head confused, "Yeah. Why wouldn't we? We're friends after all! Believe it!" Naruto finished with a large grin pointed at Shino. It was hard to see if Shino was effected by Naruto's words, as he keeps a good poker face, but Kanoko trusted Naruto's ability.
"…Oh." Shino said plainly, thinking about Naruto's words and the sincerity in his voice, "Is this what you are always referring to oni-san? The life you wanted me to have?" Shino thought. Shino looked back at Naruto's smiling face, "…Thank you."
Naruto chuckled his response before giving him a thumbs up, "Now tell us about these friends of yours! We'll find them for sure!"
Shino shook his head, "I greatly appreciate your wiliness to help, but this is something I must do on my own." Shino paused, "…I am sorry."
Naruto pouted for a second before smiling again, "Hey, no worries! If you need us, we're here, ok?" Kanoko nodded, in agreement with Naruto's words.
The edge of Shino's mouth lifted slightly before flattening out again, "Thank you… Naruto…Kanoko."
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"So… Is it true?"
Jiraiya looked over at the Slug Princess next to him. They were both sitting at a small outdoor bar. It was only the two of them, drinking sake. Shizune kept her distance – still not happy with Tsunade's bet and the genin hadn't returned to the hotel room since day one.
Sighing, Jiraiya answered her question, "Hai… Sensei is dead… You should have been there for his funeral."
Tsunade wrinkled her nose before ignoring his comment and asking another question, "And Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya sat his glass down, staring deep into the liquid, "Sensei sealed our teammate's soul into his body as he died."
Tsunade exhaled lightly while shaking her head with her eyes closed. She slowly opened them and raised her glass to her mouth, "So it's just you and me now. How miserable."
Jiraiya chuckled lowly at her comment before turning serious again, "Tsunade… Before sensei sealed his soul, Orochimaru showed us… That he transferred his soul into a young girl's body – taking it over completely and using it to fight us with."
Tsunade's eyes grew wide, jerking her head to Jiraiya, "You! You can't be serious! He, he actually did it?! Beat death?!"
Jiraiya nodded solemnly, "…Sensei believed sealing his soul was the only way to stop him, but… If he can do that, who's to say he can't – and didn't – split his soul into other vessels." Jiraiya paused to stare bartender's back, "That kid you made a bet with, Nara Kanoko, she removed a seal Orochimaru placed on the surviving Uchiha kid and on the Sand's Jinchuriki. According to her, the "curse seal" had a piece of Orochimaru's soul in it. I refuse to believe that they were the only two…"
Tsunade was at a loss for words.
.
Slamming her drink down, she pounced, "Stop! I don't care! I know what you are doing, Jiraiya, and it won't work!"
Jiraiya leaned back and held up his hands, "Hey wait! I have no idea what you are taking about…"
Tsunade growled at him, turning his way, "Really?! Bringing that boy, who is so much like Nawaki! Telling me about the threat Orochimaru poses to the village, and to top it all off, tempt me with a genius kunoichi?!"
Jiraiya looked up, adding up all the facts in his head, "I have to admit, the first two were intentional, but if this is how the Nara brat makes herself useful – I'll take it." Rather than say that out loud, Jiraiya played dumb, "I brought Naruto to teach him – honest! And you asked about Orochimaru!"
Tsunade scoffed at him, crossing her arms under her bust, "And the Nara?"
Jiraiya sighed dramatically, "…She invited herself. I tried to get rid of her, but she's a like some kind of demon…" Grumbling internally at all the pain and misery Kanoko's put him in so far.
Tsunade smirked slightly, "It does make me a bit happier to hear you so miserable. Maybe after she tells me I'm right, I'll forgive the 500,000 ryo debt."
Jiraiya's eye twitched at his teammate as he frowned at her. Tsunade's expression turned serious again as she stood up, "But this changes nothing. I am not coming back and I won't become Hokage – and nothing will change my mind." And with that, she walked away.
Jiraiya stared at Tsunade's back before sighing and taking another swig of his drink, "If you don't become Hokage… The Leaf Village is headed for some dark times – and we may not be able to survive it this time…"
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Several buildings away, Torune watched the two sannin drink at a small outdoor booth. The odds of running into the other sannin while tracking the first… It was bad luck – if he even believed in such a thing. Neither he nor his team was able to get close enough to hear their conversation, so they did not know why the two sannin, after all this time, were gathered at the same place.
Torune decided that it was due to the Third Hokage's death and the fact that they were both his students… Perhaps they were mourning together…
He was slightly irritated that they could not get closer, but Fu had warned him about Nara Kanoko and her sensing abilities – and how superior they were to his own.
He sighed internally, "I wish Fu was here… He would know what to do…" He didn't like this mission - for many reasons, but he had long since committed to doing things he did not like. He would do anything to protect the village and those he cared about.
"…Shino… I hope you made it back safely." He thought before turning his eyes back to the two sannin, "The presence of the Slug Princess complicates things..." His eyes focused on Tsunade's back, "And then there's the Jinchuriki and the Nara."
Torune thought back to Danzo's words, "Under no circumstance is the Jinchuriki to be killed or harmed too badly. You are neither skilled nor powerful enough to contain the nine-tailed beast." Torune agreed with his words and had already dedicated two of his team to be in charge of removing the Uzumaki from the area.
Torune watched Tsunade walk away from the booth, leaving Jiraiya to his sorrows. Torune's eyes focused on Jiraiya's back, "Forgive me Jiraiya-sannin."
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Shino stopped on top of a roof, looking over the area beneath him. His bugs had failed again to find Torune and his team. He was starting to worry that they had moved on.
Honestly, Shino was unaware of the mission's objective – just that the location of the mission was here. It was possible that it may have changed, as he was no longer privy to the details.
It wasn't the first time that Shino was unaware of the mission's objective, but this time, he couldn't help, but feel that the whole team was in the dark. All, but Torune, who seemed to be on edge the whole time. Shino had seen many emotions from his older brother: Kindness, sadness, happiness – Torune wasn't opposed to showing his emotions.
It was his brother's bold emotions that encouraged Shino to interact with the children at the academy. He wasn't interested in associating with them in the beginning, but Torune went out of his way to encourage Shino to make friends – giving him a long and logical list of reasons to do so. It was ironic that none of those logical reasons were why Shino tried to reach out. It was Torune's sadness and regret, for not being able to make friends – due to his ability – that made Shino talk to the other kids at the academy.
And then he met Naruto – or then Naruto met him. He remembered getting angry at Naruto in the beginning for even thinking about using his precious insects to scare the girls, who would likely crush them. He decided then to avoid the energetic boy.
But then Naruto dubbed Kanoko as his rival (and eventually Sasuke). Kanoko… She wasn't well liked among the academy students. She knew almost everything and wasn't shy to say so. Her personality was cold and she looked down at all of her classmates – never giving them the time of day. Even the instructors seemed to be beneath her. And when they started taijutsu training… She destroyed them.
The girls in the class avoided her for her strangeness and the boys hated her because she always beat them. Even Uchiha Sasuke, who also acted as if he was above everyone else, hated her for her skill and strength. Shino remembered walking in on Sasuke punching a training log, muttering curses towards Kanoko…
Due to this, Naruto quickly found allies in the boys. All of them, who previously would not talk or associate with one and another, suddenly found themselves united against a common enemy: Nara Kanoko.
That's when Shino truly felt a part of something. He resisted in the beginning – refusing to join their anti-Kanoko group, but after a particularly painful punch to the face during taijutsu training… Let's just say Shino knew how to hold a grudge…
As it turned out, Shino found running around with Naruto, Kiba, Shikamaru (who was blackmail by Naruto – though he never did learn with what exactly), and Choji to be… Fun. They may have not done everything together, but Shino still cherished all of those moments - finally understanding what his older brother meant by the importance of friends.
And he eventually even labeled Kanoko as a friend – as he did many others in his class.
Then Shino was selected to join the ANBU Black Ops as a trainee. He was honored, but sad. He knew he would no longer be able to hang out with his "friends"… But when he learned that he would be working with Torune, he was thrilled – in his own "Shino" way.
"But now I don't know where you are… And I am worried. Why? Because you acted like you wouldn't be coming home again…" Shino thought as he watched his bugs return to him, "...I will find you, oni-san."
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Shizune dragged her feet towards the outskirts of town, where Naruto and Kanoko were. When she got there, her eyes widened at the wreckage. Running down the hill, she stopped at a sweating and shaking Naruto, who laid flat on the ground – panting heavily.
Shizune dropped to the ground, starting to heal him when she jerked her head to Kanoko, "Why didn't you stop him?! He's chakra depleted!" Shizune turned her eyes back to Naruto, who had drifted off to sleep – completely wasted from the training.
Kanoko shrugged, not moving from her rock, "Naruto will live." Kanoko didn't feel like saying more.
Shizune grumbled lowly before picking Naruto up, "Well I don't care about your bet with Lady Tsunade! I'm taking him back to the inn to rest and heal!"
Kanoko just stared at her, not arguing, but following her back to the inn. Kanoko didn't care, but wasn't going to abandon Naruto – not after all the pain and suffering she has gone through for the kid. A thought crossed Kanoko's mind making her chuckle lowly as she stared at Shizune's back who was fussing over Naruto, "For someone who refuses to believe in the Will of Fire, Tsunade sure has surrounded herself with those that burn strongly with it."
.
.
*SWOSH*
"Get down!" Kanoko yelled, racing in front of Shizune and deflecting senbon flying towards them with her sword. Shizune quickly placed Naruto on the ground and crouched into a defensive position in front of him.
Kanoko stilled, her arm extended as she held out her sword. With her other hand, she slowly crouched to the ground to focus on the chakra signatures around them, "…Two… No three shinobi…" She told Shizune whose eyes widened.
Kanoko quickly tossed her sword to her left hand as she started forming hand signs with her right, "Fire Style: Fire Ball Jutsu!" A large ball of fire shot out of Kanoko's mouth towards one of the chakra signatures. As the ball moved, Kanoko's eyes shifted around rapidly, taking in her surrounds – now lit up from the fire ball.
"Ack!" Kanoko grunted out when she took a hit to the back of her shoulder. She turned to her attacker and in slow motion, she watched as he started to bring his short sword down. Before he could break skin, he jumped back. Kanoko's eyes caught the small needles aimed at him – one of them catching his hand. She looked over to Shizune and nodded to her in thanks.
Shizune nodded back before turning over to where the other two ninjas were gathered. The third jumped over to his team's location before falling face first into the ground – unable to move.
Kanoko raised an eyebrow, "Your skills in poisons are impressive." Shizune smirked, proud of herself, before turning serious again and speaking to the black clothed shinobi, "Why have you attack us?!"
They didn't answer. Instead they started forming hand signs and running in opposite direction – moving around Kanoko, Shizune, and Naruto. Kanoko gritted her teeth, catching the hand signs. Kanoko reached out to grab Naruto and jumped away – Shizune following as the ground below them turned into mud.
The attack didn't stop as the mud rose up in a wave and shot towards them. Kanoko cursed as she dropped Naruto while in midair before slamming her hands on the ground, "Earth Style: Mud Wall!"
A large, hardened mud wall shot up, pushing back on the incoming attack. The force of the mud proved too much for Kanoko – shattering her wall. Kanoko's eyes widened as she was pushed back by the mud. She barely had time to move through it before one of the ninja appeared in front of her. Kanoko swung her body to block his punch, but did so with her injured arm, making her cry out in pain.
The ninja took advantage of her distraction and sent a series of punches into her gut before pulling back and slamming his fist into her face. Kanoko flew back, hitting the ground hard and causing the ground to split from the force.
The ninja flickered over to her, standing in front of her beaten form. He pulled out his tanto and started moving towards Kanoko. Kanoko coughed out blood, eyes blurry as she tried to focus on the ninja. She was jerked up close to his masked face by her collar, giving her a good look at his attire, "…You… You're… A Leaf… ANBU… Why?" Kanoko coughed out.
The ninja paused and seemed to think about her question, "…Because these are my orders." He said, trying to justify his actions. Kanoko just stared at him before coughing out, "…Forgive me then." The ninja tilted his head, completely confused by her words. Swiftly, Kanoko slammed her hand into his chest, causing it to glow dark pink as she solidified her seal.
The ninja jumped back quickly before ripping his shirt off and tossing it behind him. Before the shirt hit the ground, it shined with light before exploding. The explosion was huge as the air shifted around them, pushing rocks and debris across the area.
The explosion caught the other ninja off guard, allowing Shizune to nip him in the side with her poisoned kunai. The ninja jumped back and started to heal his wound, but wasn't quick enough. He fell to the ground – blood spilling out from under his mask.
Shizune made her way over to Kanoko and standing in between Kanoko and the last ninja. He stared at the hole in the ground from the explosion before moving his eyes over his fallen teammates. He turned back to Kanoko and Shizune, "…You are truly a terrifying genin."
Kanoko just scooted back, trying to get close to Naruto, who was still passed out on the ground. Shizune responded to the ninja, "Why is the Leaf ANBU Black Ops trying to kill Kanoko?" Her tone cold and her eyes firm. If this was how the village operated, sending elite ninja after their own children, perhaps she should work harder to convince Lady Tsunade to take the position as Hokage.
The ANBU stared at her. They were unable to read his expression, due to his mask. He placed his tanto back in its sheath before turning away. He turned his head slightly back to them before saying, "…If you wish to rescue your friend, bring the sannin, Jiraiya, to the crossroads outside this village at zero five hundred."
Kanoko's heart dropped as her body twisted to Naruto's fallen form behind her. Standing in his place were three other ANBU Black Ops and over the shoulder of one of them was Naruto's lax form.
"DAMNIT!" Kanoko pushed herself to her feet, forming a hand sign – ready to take Naruto back when she fell to her feet. Kanoko wheezed out air making a large hissing sound as she felt her arm burn up in pain. "Why does my arm hurt so much?!" Kanoko thought, looking at her bandaged arm – her eyes widening when she saw a small piece pulled back and purple starting to take form on her arm.
Shizune's eyes widened, "It- It can't be…!"
The ninja spoke, void of all emotion, "The attack I hit you with is an ability unique to me. That mark is actually nano-sized parasitic insects – feeding off of your chakra and cells – breaking them down and killing you slowly."
Kanoko eyes flickered in pain as her whole body started to shake. The ninja gestured to his team, ordering them to leave. The three of them, plus Naruto, disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving only the leader. The leader turned to Shizune again and spoke to her, "Bring Jiraiya, the sannin, to the crossroads by five in the morning, or the blonde kid will suffer the same fate as her." He finished, gesturing to Kanoko.
Shizune gulped as the ninja disappeared before running and dropping down to Kanoko, who was starting to fall into a seizure – convulsing in pain. Shizune stared at Kanoko, but didn't dare touch her, for worry that she would suffer the same fate, "What do I do?! What can I do?!" Tears started to flow down her face as she watched the small girl die in front of her. She never felt so helpless!
Shizune shut her eyes in frustration and slammed her fist into the ground in anger.
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"What happened?"
Shizune's watery eyes snapped open. Turning her face up to the voice above: It was that boy who was following Kanoko earlier.
Shino waited for Shizune to answer, but when she stared bewildered at him, he turned to Kanoko. He crouched down as his insects flew out and towards Kanoko. His eyes quickly caught the growing purple on her arm and his eyes widened, "No… oni-san… This was your mission?"
Pulling out a capsule of insects, Shino stopped, "These insects… They are the only ones I have to repel his parasitic insects… Am I prepared to use them all here?" Shino studied Kanoko's shaking form, "My goal was to help oni-san in his mission… If I do this, I will be betraying him…"
Looking around, he noticed a missing piece. Shino looked at Shizune, "…Where is Naruto?"
Shizune looked down before gritting her teeth, "…The ninja that did this to Kanoko… They took him… And said they would do the same to Naruto…" Shizune didn't finish, as she started beating herself up internally for her weakness.
Shino felt his heart stop.
"…Naruto too?" Shino's fists tightened, "Why would you teach me the importance of friends, if you were just going to take them from me, oni-san?" Shino looked at Kanoko again. He felt firm in his decision as he started to open the capsule.
Shino stopped suddenly when Kanoko slammed her other hand down, revealing a scroll in it. She unraveled the scroll before pulling out a brush and started writing in it. In a matter of seconds, the scroll was filled with markings and a circle in the center. Kanoko pushed her damaged arm down on the scroll causing it to glow dark blue.
Shino's and Shizune's eyes widened as they watch the purple blotch get sucked into the scroll. Once all of the nano bugs were gone from her arm, Kanoko solidified the seal and dropped onto her back, panting.
Shino stared at Kanoko, "…How did you do that?" Shizune looked over, also interested in her answer. Kanoko ignored both of them while she rested – her body still shaking from the pain. She stared at the night sky above, her eyes moving from star to star.
Shino and Shizune looked at each other just before they heard a growl. Kanoko growled before slamming her hands on the ground and pushing herself up. Shizune quickly ran over with green chakra pouring out of her hand and placing it on Kanoko, "Wait! You shouldn't be in any condition to move!"
Kanoko just stood, allowing Shizune to heal her before closing her eyes and searching for Jiraiya's chakra signature. When she found it, her eyes snapped open. Kanoko pushed Shizune away gentle before turning to Shino.
Shino shifted slightly at Kanoko firm look. "Now that I am aware of your mission, I must ask you to leave."
Shino stilled before nodding and turning to leave. He was stopped by Kanoko, "But if you truly believed in this mission, you would have killed me when you had the chance."
Shino turned around, looking quizzically at Kanoko, "…You would trust me? Why?"
Kanoko just sighed, crossing her arms, "Remember how I told you that I remember all those of significance?" Shino nodded, not sure where she was going with this, "I do more than remember names and abilities – And with nothing else to grab my attention in the academy, I took my time to learn about each of you." Kanoko looked up to the sky, "…You didn't want any friends in the beginning. We were all an inconvenience for you – I understand that though well, as I felt the same." Kanoko smirked, "But just like you, I was eventually sucked in by the enigma known as Uzumaki Naruto."
Kanoko shrugged, "You may have not spent much time with him or really gotten to know him, but it's those small moments that make you smile, thinking back on – even if you weren't particularly happy at the time."
Shino smirked to himself, thinking about all the pranks they pulled on Kanoko – she was right, each moment with Naruto was one to be cherished. Each moment with all of his classmates brought a small smile to his face. The overly energetic Kiba, the genius sloth Shikamaru, and the kind glutton Choji. Shino could even remember a few calming moments with Sasuke, working on various school projects together as Sasuke couldn't work with any of the girls and most of the boys.
Shino spoke, "And that makes you certain I would not betray you? Why? Perhaps my dedication to this mission is stronger."
Kanoko shook her head, "I believe you have a will stronger than any mission. A will that burns inside you, working in innovating ways to save everyone you care for. You know this mission has gone too far and to save the person you came here to save, you'll work beside us to save him, or her." Kanoko paused, "That's why you continued on this mission of yours, even after you were told not to. It was because you knew this mission would lead to their death if they completed it."
Shino paused, looking down, "I wanted to help oni-san complete his mission, but Kanoko is right… Oni-san believes he will die on this mission – and so I wish to stop it…"
Kanoko shrugged, watching Shino think to himself. Turning around Kanoko spoke one last time, "I won't ask for your help, but I imagine I will see you at the crossroads at zero five hundred. I can only hope that you will fight with us and not against us. In either case… Take care Shino." And with that, Kanoko started off running towards the village, in search for a particular pervy-sage – Shizune following after her.
Shino watched Kanoko's back as she left. He tilted his head towards the stars and watching them twinkle in the night, "Oni-san... Naruto…"
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Author's Note: I really hope that came out well! I went back and forth on so many ideas for this plot, but I couldn't quite get it down on paper – until today. So sorry for the wait and I hope to get the second part out soon! I write fight scenes much faster than the "in-between", so here's to hoping!
Also, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE AWESOME REVIEWS! Between the long ones that I read over and over trying to take their thoughts into new ideas and the short ones that make me squeal like a four year old, I just love them! So thank you so much for taking the time to review and let me know how it's going!
As always, I will try to get the next chapter out soon, in between work, school, and my crazy dog that demands my attention constantly!