Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto or the Hulk. The story is written purely for entertainment purposes and no profits are made on the Fanfic.
Author's Note: Happy New Year everyone.
I had hoped to complete this chapter for the holidays but it took a little longer, so here it is hope you like it. Let me remind you again, it's not a continuation of my Hulk story. They are Side Stories from either the Main event or just draft ideas put into chapters.
C Rank Bandit Subjugation Mission
As usual, it's Team 7's regular mission undertaking at the Hokage's office.
"It's a C rank bandit subjugation. Think Team 7 can handle it?"
"Of course, Gi-Gi. Finally a proper ninja mission."
There's no prize in guessing which knucklehead ninja said that.
"Quiet Naruto, be respectful." despite saying that Sakura too was quite confident.
"Hm," Sasuke may have said anything but his attitude's clear.
Bandits although are beneath him but it beat E-rank missions.
However, the Hokage's question was more directed to their Jonin sensei. With Naruto's Hulk, they knew bandit subjugation is an overkill.
"No problem, Hokage-sama. The team knows how to take care of themselves."
That's a hidden message that translates to 'Although not competent, they will survive.'
Again, without his Genins knowing, he's referring to his other 2 students. Nodding in acknowledgment, the Hokage sends them off.
"Alright, Kakashi take care of your subordinates. Dismissed."
It didn't take them long to locate the hideout. However, before they can begin.
"HULK, SMASH."
There's no guessing who and where that came from as a huge green blur speed past them and charges into the hideout. Team 7 could only stare at the diminishing figure with their mouth wide open like they want to call him but knew it would be a waste of effort. They didn't know when he transformed, but they knew the mission is more or less over in a few minutes.
On the other hand, his loud voice echoed thus alerting the bandits. Despite that, no one panicked.
"What on earth was that?"
"Probably some poor animal."
One nod in agreement and add his own 2 cents.
"Had it been ninjas, you wouldn't hear them until they want you to."
"Still, what could make a stupid sound like that."
One bandit closest to the door went to take a peek. He was just about to open the door when the door literally came smashing into him and pinning him to the wall. There were even spider cracks as his body became one with the wall and the door.
Naturally, this sudden surprise caught everyone in the room's attention.
"?..."
They don't know whether their fellow colleague's alive or not as all they could see is his arm. However, what caught their attention weren't their teammate nor the huge hole that used to be their door. It is the huge giant that's in front of them. They have a really big problem, a very big green problem.
"HIBIKI?"
"..." no response came from the one called Hibiki.
They soon forgot about him when their eyesight drift from him to the door then to the green beast.
"What the hell?!"
"What the f*** is that thing?!"
"Turtle?!"
That comment earns him odd stares from the entire room, including the Hulk. The Hulk probably followed everyone's gesture thus looking at him strangely.
"Well, it's green," he said like it explains everything.
Unfortunately, one idiot was an exception as he chose to cry something else altogether.
"M... Mo... Mon... Monster!" he managed to split it out.
However, as soon as he did, he was immediately silenced with a cupboard. It was sudden and the others couldn't even see him pick it up and another one of their colleagues is planted into the wall. Slowly, the entire room focuses back on the source of that disturbance.
"HULK NO MONSTER!" shouts the big guy.
They wisely kept their mouths shut as they could neither agree nor disagree as that's debatable depending on the circumstances. The glare he's sending them didn't help either. Had the green giant been an ally, he's an asset but as an enemy, he's definitely a monster. For obvious reasons, none of them are brave enough to admit that to his face.
Anyway, as they focus on the creature that calls himself 'Hulk', their line of sight quickly drifts to the entrance/exit. They knew in their minds, that direction is no different to suicide. Thus, as result, their line of sight moves on to the nearest window.
"Window." one bandit announced while running for it.
To his surprise, there were already two others ahead of him as they too race towards it. The slower ones quickly follow hoping to not miss the chance to escape.
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on which bandit. Being the first does not mean freedom as he was struck with a couch thus jamming him to the window and freedom. The bandits could only watch in horror as half of their colleagues hang from the window. He's either knocked out or dead. Nevertheless, it's not a good feeling to see someone hanging lifeless halfway in the wall/window.
From the Hulk's perspective, their action was anticipated. One doesn't need to be a psychic to read their minds to see their line of sight shift from the door to the window. Thus, when they move, our giant friend had already the couch ready and sent it their way. While trapping the bandit in the window was unexpected, it nevertheless fulfills his requirement and that's to let no one escape.
On the other hand, the bandit curses.
"Damn Hibiki for rearranging the furniture."
Apparently, Hibiki did happen to move the furniture thus giving the giant ammunition. Had he not moved the cupboard and couch, they probably would have made their escape already.
"I didn't sign up for this!" one bandit moaned.
"Shut up."
Despite the argument, none kept their eyes off the green giant and kept their distance.
Comically, they found themselves separated by a large table. The green giant on one end, they on the other. When he moves left, they go right and when he go right, they go left. It's laughable how this could stub the big guy but they didn't have time to think about that as they were too busy keeping themselves as far away as they can from its reach.
Sadly it's inevitable as the same trick could only work so long until he got really annoyed. Incredibly irritated, the Hulk crushed the table under his foot. With nothing between them, the bandits scattered. It's everyone for themselves as they ran around him on both sides. Each hope the other side would be targeted so they can get away.
True enough, he target the right thus leaving those from the left to run for the exit. Despite that none of them were safe as the giant took one of the helpless bandits and launch them at their fleeing comrades. It was like being shot at by a cannonball as they were all knocked off their feet. Two closest to the exit were least affected so they quickly oriented themselves and continue.
They were one step to freedom when one of them slipped over some debris.
"Hey Sanji, wait for me."
Heartlessly, the other guy didn't even look at him. Instead, he actually fled faster. Obviously, the bastard's using him as some kind of distraction so he could get away.
"Damn it. Fu***** bastard"
He didn't want to admit it, had the situation been reversed he would have done the same.
However, before he could pick himself up, Sanji was crushed. Something flew and ended up landing on top of his 'bastard' colleague. There's no question to whom was responsible as there's only one giant they recently got acquainted with capable of such deed. Having seen the trails of books, he knew it must have been the bookshelf.
'I swear if I get away from this, there will be no furniture.'
Then he thought, 'Sanji must be unlucky, I just circle round and sneak away. Once I reached the woods, I will be long gone.'
Despite his lengthy thoughts, in reality, only a fraction of a second had passed. However, before he can act on them he was grabbed and dragged by the foot back into the house. At the same time, it was discovered that there were others faking their unconsciousness, so the Hulk use him to make shift weapons to knock them unconscious. As for insurance, he even bashes those that are already unconscious just to be sure. When the unfortunate bandit wakes up, he will revise his statement - he wasn't that lucky after all.
From another perspective, since their teammate went in, all Team 7 can hear are screams, crashes followed by more screams and crashes but not necessarily in that order. It was the same old story every time wherever he goes. When on missions, once he transforms you can almost guarantee that the mission is over. 'Over' as in a diaster manner or that it's literally over as in mission completed over. Either way, what they are trying to emphasize is that there's nothing left for them to do. That's usually the case when the big guy is involved as the rest of Team 7 were left with empty leftovers or empty accomplishments.
Then again, this couldn't complain their Naruto for hogging everything as according to their sensei, fresh Genins don't normally get combat missions. Therefore, in a sense, these missions were there mostly for their teammate. Despite that, they still think the Hulk is overkill. True enough, it didn't take long for the screams and crashes to die down. And the reason it took 10 to 15 minutes is probably because of him messing or playing with his victims.
From a distance, Team 7 watched the whole thing play out in stun silence. They had almost forgotten how impulsive their teammate always have been. He's unpredictable from the very beginning but when he's Hulk he's a walking disaster. Even knowing that the crazy they are seeing is still mind-boggling. It's like watching a horror movie, the monster in a box. People scream in fright/horror and get dragged back with their nails digging into the dirt back into the horror show. Not to mention the furniture in odd places and one that flew out and crushed the poor fleeing bandit. Even to a veteran such as Kakashi, he thought it was overkill.
When the big guy came out, he saw Kakashi massaging his temples. His teammate Sasuke is in his usual emo mode with his arms folded, and Sakura's fuming with her hands on her waist, feet impatiently tapping the ground.
"WHAT?!" he inquiries like he didn't know what was wrong.
"NARUTO. What's wrong with you?!"
"HULK SMASH BAD MAN."
Dropping the bandits in front of them, he continues.
"BAD MAN."
"Bad men." Sakura couldn't help correcting him.
This caught everyone's attention, coughing a little she starts to explain herself.
"They are bad 'MEN'. Bad MEN, because there are more than one." then she elaborated.
"Actually, they are bandits. That's our mission. Subjugate Bandits."
It doesn't take her long to realize she's straying off-topic.
She knew if this continues, they will be going in circles again. So she tries again. Sasuke didn't care and Kakashi let her try anyway, hoping she could get through so he doesn't have to.
"We are a team. You weren't supposed to go in there on your own!"
"HULK, STRONG!" he said as he raises both his arms in a strong man pose.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH..." screams Sakura as she pulls her hair in frustration.
She knew by then that it's a lost cause, so she gave up.
It's frustrating talking to him when it touches his masculinity as anymore he will try to prove his strength. She may not want to admit it, she sometimes takes her femininity into overdrive too. Like her small breasts, even if it is true she doesn't want others to bring it up, especially men. Despite that, Naruto in his Hulk mode takes it to another level.
It's hard to talk to him when he's like that, especially when she can't vent her frustration by bashing him over the head like usual. Oddly enough, he shrinks back to his normal size and Sakura didn't miss that chance to deal out the punishment.
"Ooowwww, what did I do. Sakura-chan?" asks the normal-sized Naruto.
"Shut up."
Watching this from the sideline, Kakashi sweatdrops. He was about to lecture the big guy on teamwork but now that he changed back to Naruto, he will have to do it next time.
Unfortunately, for Kakashi, his trouble did not end there. He still has to report to the Sandaime.
"So, Naruto did all the work?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. He rushed in before we could stop him."
"The Team did not see him change?"
"No sir, he was normal one second and the 'big guy' when we weren't looking."
"..." The Hokage said nothing as he silently wrote something down in the report.
Deep down, Kakashi hate this kind of feeling as it made him unprofessional.
2nd Bandit Subjugation
Funny enough, weeks later Team 7 got the same bandit subjugation mission again. Coincidentally, to their surprise, it's the same location they did the last mission weeks ago.
"Eh, Kakashi-sensei. Isn't that the same place we were last time?"
"You're right, Sakura. Perhaps a new group moved in. It can happen when the building's been abandoned for some time."
Well, bandits are opportunists so it's not too surprising.
When they got there, they noticed they somehow managed to un-jammed the large couch that was struck on the side window. Then there's also the hole that was repaired caused by their teammate when he crushed the poor bandit with a bookshelf. This time, however, despite Naruto transforming again, Kakashi caught him. The term 'Caught' is relative as he more or less tries catching his attention and latching on to his arm.
"Naruto, NARUTO, NA-RU-TO LISTEN... LISTEN!" he locked himself with his arm while being dragged for a few meters.
It's embarrassing but since he's their unfortunate sensei, he had to do it. Thankfully, his efforts were acknowledged so he begin.
"This time, let's try it as a Team. You want to be a ninja, right Naruto?!"
Aside from Ramen, somehow he responds to the word 'ninja'.
He supposes it's similar to how he still wants to be the Hokage. Anyway, seeing he has his attention, he continued.
"That means no charging into the house, no solo, not doing it alone. Understand?"
He can see him looking over at the bandit house, to his teammates, and back to him. Seeing him not so eager to rush in and nodding dumbly, Kakashi held on a bit longer to make sure he truly understands before easing on the pressure.
He's still not quite sure he got it, so he didn't let go of his arm. When it comes to his oversized Genin, you can't be too careful. Then again, he doubts he could stop him even if he tries. However, he still has to put in the effort and as their sensei, he has to at least try. Thankfully he has his attention, Kakashi still has to be careful what he has to say next as he didn't want to push him too far in his demands. The last thing he wants to do is bribe him with Ramen, he wants to save some for his Icha Icha series.
This time, Team 7 gets to plan and carry out their strategy. Despite that, Kakashi couldn't help but keep an eye on his oversized student. Seeing him not going anywhere, he released a sigh of relief. Team 7 always had a history of rocky beginnings, it's not surprising considering they putting 2 top students with a dead-last in a group. Too bad the 'dead-last' this time is too out of ordinary. If he has to say it, Naruto is only 'dead-last' because the academy didn't know how to evaluate him.
They couldn't evaluate the normal him as he often transforms to the Hulk before they can do anything. And as Hulk, his physical prowess is off the charts. They would have given him an SSS grade if there is one. However, for any other factors, the Hulk is at zero. This means he could do more damage than good therefore he's not really ninja material let alone Genin. Nevertheless, he's a type of power that can't simply be dismissed. So by adding 'Hulk' into the already dysfunctional team, one can see how well that turns out. This is especially true when he couldn't control himself.
Sighing in exhaustion, Kakashi wondered if he's more his sensei's son or just his mother's boy. When he's in his normal size, he has his father's hair but temper-wise, he's definitely Kushina's child. Coming back to his Genin squad, Kakashi could hear Sakura summarizing the plan.
"Right, Naruto you and I will secure the side escape routes, you take the 'LEFT' and I the right. Sasuke with most skill will enter from the front."
Sasuke didn't respond to her plan but he's up for a challenge.
Naruto on the other hand seems not happy about the arrangement. "HULK... SMASH?!"
"No, Naruto. No Smash for you. Sasuke will do the smashing this time." explains Kakashi.
'Naruto' looks at the Uchiha, he may not show it but he can see the slight smirk from the corner of his mouth.
He would have bashed him but Kakashi interjected before he can start anything.
"Naruto, just go along with it and see how it goes. Take it as a learning experience."
Sakura too added her two cents.
"Yeah, Naruto. Stop being such a baby and let Sasuke do the Smash."
She then realized what she had said.
'Damn it, since when did I start talking with such an unclothed manner? '*Smash*'? What the heck?! What if Sasuke sees me as some uneducated cavewoman?'
She couldn't help groaning internally and taking sneak peeks at her crush. Kakashi not knowing what his female student's odd thoughts continued.
"Naruto, you already had your turn last time, let Sasuke handle it this time," he says.
When he put it like that, 'Naruto' sunk and exhale dejectedly. He's like a deflating balloon, not enough to trigger his de-transformation but he lost a lot of his enthusiasm. Kakashi had to steel his heart because he's their sensei and his 'cute' Genins still has a lot to learn. Under normal circumstances, the most powerful team member should take the center stage. The Team knew this, to some extension so does the Hulk and Naruto. However, there's also the argument that when Naruto is Hulk, he couldn't coordinate with the team thus it's more logical for the 2nd strongest Genin (Sasuke) to lead. On the other hand, they could always argue that Sasuke isn't much of a Team player but that would only end in lengthy debates. So as Jonin sensei, he let them find out for themselves.
When the fight got started, Sasuke handled the situation as expected. He easily took down the first bandit that didn't consider him a threat. However, once the others saw how he dealt with their comrade they changed their tune.
"He's a ninja?!"
"No shit, what gave it away? The headband or the Konoha symbol?" one responded sarcastically.
Having said that no one panicked, instead of attacking him they moved to surround him.
Having seen how skilled he is, they were right to take the cautious approach. They may not have fancy Jutsus or techniques but they aren't stupid. It's bandit 101, always use numbers to your advantage. That's why you never see a single bandit in action because they always show up in groups. Unless your opponent is some sort of super-soldier or a god, normal tactics is enough.
For Sasuke, it's unfortunate. He could anticipate them in rushing him, with his superior skills he should be fine. Hence, when they start to box him in, he knew he's in trouble. Only his pride forbid him to admit it. The Uchiha's intercept fist is all about interception, combined with their Sharingan they were almost unbeatable. However, the flaw is when the opponent not attacking. Normally, an experienced Uchiha can force their opponent into a confrontation by act of intimidation but Sasuke couldn't do that because he isn't at that level. It was for that reason he's now pressured.
Although the bandits are slowly gaining the upper-hand, not everyone have the patience to wait and see the outcome. Some would sneak out to just avoid a fight or getting themselves potentially captured. That's where Sakura comes in as she take them on by ambushing them as they climb out of the window. She may not be as proficient as Sasuke but her Chakra infused punches were more than enough to keep them at bay. Seeing one exit preoccupied, the others went to the alternative exit, the opposite window. They were less unfortunate as there will be a monster.
On the other hand, when the fight got started Kakashi was in a dilemma as he felt a nagging sensation. He checked on Sasuke and seeing him putting himself into a jam, he let him handle it. It's something that every Genin must go through so Sasuke will have to try to figure out the problem himself. As for Sakura, she's doing surprisingly well as she halt the bandit's attempt to escape. However, when he look to Naruto's way, he grimaced.
'I knew I missed something.' he's now sure what that nagging feeling was.
'We forgot to tell him to 'hold' position!'
True enough, when Sasuke got the fight started, after a while the Hulk too acted as he too came crashing in. It all started when one bandit made the mistake in coming his way. The Hulk must had thought this was his chance and came to meet his poor opponent. And he did it by crashing through the wall thus catching everyone's attention, including Sasuke. Another thing that concerns Sasuke are the frightening feeling he's getting as all his hairs stood on its ends.
'No, no, he wouldn't.' he watched in slow motion as his teammate pulls back his fist.
'Yes, he would.'
If Naruto in this state deliveries a full power punch, the result would be devastating.
Sadly, there's no-one to stop him nor anyone capable of doing so. All it took was one punch, it's literally 'one punch' that ended everything. Shocked, surprised and scared, the poor bandit could only watch with his widen eyes as he froze on the spot. Sasuke too had his eyes wide but altogether for a different reason when he found himself sandwiched among his foes. He didn't know when it happened but all his opponent had somehow latched on to him like scared children. 'F***!' was the last thing he thought before widening his eyes and blacking out.
As for Sakura, she was at first holding her own. What she was doing was simple textbook strategy. All she has to do was hide behind the window and ambush them when they tries to climb out. It was fine until one of them chose to be creative by shielding his face. Usually, her attack would had knock him back but his friends gave him a helping hand by kicking him outside.
From that point onwards, it's like the dam broke as a total of three bandits made it outside. Honestly, she would be in a disadvantage facing against one, but three simultaneously she knew she's in serious trouble. Then suddenly to her and everyone's surprise, the wall exploded and everything went black. Before losing conscious, the last thing she thought was 'this got to be Naruto's fault.'. She's not wrong but it's better than admitting he had in fact saved her.
From the outside, Kakashi saw it all. He knew he missed something, he should had told his crazy strong and overpowered Genin to hold position and take it easy. While finishing the mission early have its ups but having Team 7 annihilated, it's less ideal. Perhaps not the whole Team 7 but Naruto/Hulk kind a exception as he's already a Team on his own. For someone that preaches on teamwork like a priest, Kakashi has mixed feelings to think 'Hulk' is better off on his own.
Coming back to reality, he thought Sasuke is a bit arrogant in his approach but chose to let him handle it himself. When it comes to teaching, he had to admit that there certain things that can be taught whereas the rest you just have to experience it yourself. For Sasuke, it would hard for him to accept others telling him how wrong he is, therefore that's something he had to find out on his own. Thankfully, the mission is only C-rank but they still carry certain risk. Sometimes, there are even ninjas among these missions hence why even Chunin and Jonins have trouble. Nevertheless, from what he can see Sasuke would be fine for a while.
Even Sakura's doing surprisingly well, so he will keep an eye out for her. That's when he realized his mistake over his third student. Under normal circumstances he should be the least of his concern but having seen him impatiently moving left and right, and occasionally peeking into the window. He suddenly have a bad premonition on what's going to happen. An angry Hulk is bad but an impatient Hulk is just as bad as it means something bad waiting to happen. So, either way he's will be having some serious problems.
True enough, before he could stop it it's already too late as the big guy storms in through the wall and intercepted the bandit. Seconds after that, the opposite side of the house exploded and everyone blasting out the opposite side. Leaping into action, Kakashi met up with his team. The term 'Team' is probably not right as only Naruto is conscious.
"Well, congraduations Naruto. You have just annihilated everyone."
Kakashi glared at him mildly hoping he wouldn't have to explain but was disappointed.
The Hulk was split between rising both of his hands and going into a thinking pose. He even took sneak peaks at him hoping to see if he's getting it right. Unfortunately, seeing his sensei's stoic expression he couldn't decide thus keeps changing his stances. He must have thought it was some kind of praise but having seen that glare he doesn't know. Kakashi's steel look confuses him, so he ended up indecisive for the next whole minute and Kakashi gave up.
If he leave him like this, they could be here the whole day.
"Never mind, just round up everyone." it didn't take long but in the middle he had to bark again.
"Not Sasuke and Sakura. Just set them aside and away from the others."
He said that because the Hulk was piling all the unconscious in one pile, including Sasuke and Sakura.
Picking them up like ragged dolls he unceremoniously drop them at one side, making the Jonin sigh in defeat. He didn't bother reprimanding, there's only so much he can push. Those two will get some bruises but thankfully nothing that couldn't be heal with a few days rest. Since they are unconscious, they wouldn't know about the extra bruises were due to their teammate mis-handling them. He would definitely hate to explain about them. At least the mission is over.
Well over for them, he still have to report in.
"So Naruto blew a hole in the wall?"
"Yes, sir. It was just unfortunate that Sasuke and Sakura are in the crossfire."
"And what were you doing at the time?"
"Eh, I was supervising from a distance. By then it's already too late."
"Right..." he paused before continuing.
"I suppose there's no way to prevent it?!"
"No Sir."
The Hokage sigh, the event happen in an instant so there's not a lot anyone could do about it. Kakashi too felt the same way as he's been tasked to take care of them. At least the mission's over, he don't want to go through this again but with Naruto you never know what the next mission would be like.
3rd Bandit Subjugation
True enough and to his shocking surprise.
"Eh, Hokage-sama? Is this?!"
"Yes, Kakashi. I know. They are paying clients. Think of it as an opportunity to train your Genins." he than added.
"Very few get to redo the same mission over. However, if you aren't comfortable, I can always assign another Team?"
"No need, Team 7 can handle it."
That's what he said until he's at the site.
"Sensei, you think the bandits learned their lesson. Why are they keep coming back to the same house that was previously cleaned out by us?"
"Sakura, remember this is probably a different group of bandits. So they most likely didn't know."
Despite saying that, they were not his true thoughts.
This time, they went through the same strategy and again convince their oversized teammate to play guard again.
"And remember, don't go punching the poor bandits with your full power."
Sakura glare hard into his eyes making sure he won't knock her out this time.
"HULK PROMISE."
Giving him another second of hard stare she nod her head, and Team 7 is once again in position.
It went like their last mission until 1 bandit heading over to the big guy's exit. The moment he saw him, he froze. He was only half way out of the window when he spotted him squatting dejectively against the wall. Aside from the obvious green giant monster thing, the bandit hesitated.
'This thing looked dangerous, should I take another route?'
All that didn't even take him a fraction of a second and he was hit before he could do anything.
The Hulk was obviously downcast that he didn't get to smash anything. However, he still carry out his job diligently by backhanding the bandit without looking. It wasn't hard but just adequate enough to make even Kakashi proud. Meanwhile, he continues to sulk lifelessly. Unknown to him, that one contact was enough to triggered an avalanche of events that's about to come.
Of course, this was watched by Kakashi as he breath a sigh of relieve.
'Look like things should go smoothly this time.'
With Naruto in check, he didn't think anything could go wrong. Sadly, that's just wishful thinking because with the Hulk around nothing is ever 'normal'. Somehow, Hulk and normal doesn't mix.
When you think about it that way, it gave him another bad premonition that something bad would happen.
'I am probably over thinking things. Let's not jinx it.'
It's just too bad that he had already jinxed himself as that one light 'bash' unfortunately triggered a ripple. A ripple that leads to a certain chain reaction where one bandit bumping into one another, not enough to knock them down but enough to cause a disruption. Of course, this was immediately noticed by Sasuke as he instantly leap away. Since the last few missions, he learned to detect any abnormalities caused by his teammate. Hence, when he saw it he knew Naruto is involved so he took immediate elusive action and set himself against the wall.
Once he's safe, he watched the chaos and making sure it's nowhere near him. However, what he couldn't anticipate was the disappointment that nothing coming out of it.
'What?! That's it?!'
It's a bit anti-climated but as far he can see, all he did was a minor disruption. That's until the strange feeling that something's happening behind him.
The look on the bandit's eyes were a dead give away as he follow their line of sight. There's also the screams of his other teammate.
"Oh, no, no, no, not again."
True enough, he's just in time to see the entire wall falling and crashing flat against her. Not that he can see her but he knew she couldn't get away in time because she would continue screaming otherwise. Anyway, in that moment everyone forgot about the fight and stare stupidly at the open scene in front of them. It's not often that you see an outdoor scene with such 'large window'.
Oddly enough, Sasuke also found out that this has nothing to do with his teammate.
"I told we shouldn't have gone cheap."
"Hey, you all agreed to this."
"Yeah, that's before we know the botched up job."
They may talk lightly but everyone heard them.
Unfortunately, the botched up job did not end there as a sudden creak can be heard above them. Sasuke had a sinking feeling about this. He want to prevent himself from looking but human instinct are hard to control. As a matter of fact, the whole group looked up. And they were in time to see the roof cave in on top of them.
Once again, Kakashi watched the whole scene play out in front of him. He groan once again, 'This is going to be a pain in the report.' Everytime he submit them, the Hokage look at him weird like it's some sort of joke. 'Why can't I get a normal team?'
Anyway, this time he could see its not entire his (Hulk) fault. Despite his low enthusiasm, he did his part and also not attacking in his usual way. When Team 7 gather, minus Sasuke and Sakura because they were under the rubbles.
"HULK NO SMASH. HULK STAY. HULK STOP BAD MAN."
"Yeah, yeah. I know, I saw. Just help me dig them out."
Like he said, it's going to be another strange report.
"So, a house fall on them this time?"
"Well, not the whole house, just the roof."
The Hokage can only stare at his Jonin, Kakashi's report is getting weirder and wierder everytime he doesn't know whether he's making stuff up. Luckily he had heard enough of the incidents concerning his godson to know how he earned his 'Walking Diaster' nickname.
4th Bandit Subjugation
Unfortunately, weeks later, they got the same mission.
"Kakashi-sensei..."
"Enough, Sakura. I know. I know what you're gonna say. Sadly I have no idea."
Once or twice, or even the third time it's ok but the forth? Second occurance you can call it a coincidence, the third time is pushing it but one can still accept it. However, when it comes to the fourth time?
Kakashi's eye couldn't help but twitch as there's definitely something universally wrong here. He wonder if the higher ups are playing some sort of games with him. Perhaps the Hokage's test of his leadership? A repeat performance until he gets it right? Before he can think too much into it, he came back to his senses and back to his team.
The group want to reuse the strategy but Kakashi had to interject.
"Look, Sakura and Sasuke. We have already tried your strategies 2 times. This time, why don't we let Naruto do it."
"You mean Naruto as center? But the last tim..."
"Yes, I know what happened last time. Let's face it, putting him on either side would be diaster and unbalance the fight."
Sasuke wouldn't admit it because of his pride but he certainly isn't as enthusiastic to jump in as last time. When it comes to his teammate's unpredictability, he learned a thing or two. Naruto certainly have ways to get around the least you expects it, the problem is when it comes to his alter ego that's where it gets lethal.
Seeing he's getting through the two, Kakashi turns to his 3rd Genin.
"And, Naruto. Try not to injure your Teammates, OK."
"Evenly distrib the bandits to your teammates, say in a 5 to 1 ratio to Sasuke. Understand?"
Seeing his lost expression, he had to rephase it.
"Just smash more in Sasuke's direction." this he understands.
Sighing in exhaustion, Kakashi thought he finally finish another one of his hurdles.
Despite that, the moment the big guy walked in. All the bandits screamed. "Run, Monster." Grabbing the nearest object which is a small stand he threw it their way, knocking out the big mouth bandit.
"HULK NO MONSTER."
Too bad that bandit's already unconscious. As to the others, whether they heard him or not doesn't matter, they were too busy panicking.
Thankfully Naruto remember his promise in curling back his powers. Otherwise, there would have been a lot of property damage. Another thing he remembered.
"SMASH TO SASUKE."
He said that as he blocks bandits heading to Sakura.
"NO RUN. HULK FIGHT."
As usual nobody listened.
Sadly, with the giant in the room there's very little room to maneuver. Some managed to get out but were bashed in by Sasuke and Sakura. Just from the sounds alone, one can understand the chaos that's in the building.
"Move, get out of the way."
"There's nowhere to go. That thing's covering the only exit."
"Windows, windows."
With the big guy their main focus, they weren't aware of their comrades being abducted through those very exits.
"HULK SMALL BASH!" the bandits watch one of their comrades got sent huddling threw the window.
"Like hell that's small." they couldn't help refuting those claims.
The big guy ignored them and sent another through another window. You can see the bandit unable to stop thus ended up flipping over to the other side. It was perfect opportunity for Sakura to bash him into unconsciousness before dragging him away.
From the outside, Kakashi sweatdropped. For the life of him, he couldn't understand it. He thought he understood a little about his sometimes out of controlled student. Most of the time, he acts dumb whereas there are times where he could follow instructions to a T. What he's seeing now is one example as he distributes the bandits to his teammates. It wasn't just to a T, he managed it in a perfect balance and timing that can be considered impeccable.
What was more impressive is how he managed to give the bandits the illusion that they had a chance. Even he could have been fooled too had he not made the plan himself. For every 10 bandits, one would slip one through to Sakura whereas occasionally some would end up in Sasuke's direction. He could have finished them but instead he's using them as his plaything, at least that's what it looked like from his perspective. Sometimes, Kakashi wondered if his dumb act was more of a ruse.
Sakura on the other hand had mixed feelings. It certainly didn't go the way she had planned. She had hoped Sasuke would propose to her in mid combat like the movie she watched but she doesn't dislike what she's doing now. It's not as chaotic as last time as she hid flat against the wall. When she see a foot she would kick and take down her enemy. She would punch when she see a face sticking out. Somehow, they came out in an orderly manner just right for her so she doesn't hate the feeling.
As for Sasuke, he really don't care. However he strongly remembered being sent to the wall by his teammate and crushed by debris. No matter how much of it was an accident or how indirectly he was involved, Sasuke doesn't want to be in the middle of it again. He can see whoever gave him that nickname 'Walking Diaster' must have suffered the same hell he's been through. Despite that, Sasuke could help but think of his current predicament. 'This isn't so bad.' As far as he's concerned, as long as he can get stronger he doesn't care. That means getting his fair share of bandits. Somehow, it's working out as he gets 2 or even 3 bandits at once which is quite challenging.
"So, no-one's injuried?" inquires the Hokage after the mission report.
"No sir, no serious injuries this time sir." Kakashi couldn't help breathing internally a sigh of relief.
"I see, I take it you managed to teach your team teamwork successfully this time?"
What he means is to get everyone to work with Naruto because he knew its impossible the other way.
"There's still some issues but I think we are well on our way."
Nodding in response, the Hokage contemplated Team 7.
'Perhaps it's time. Chunin exam is coming soon, perhaps we can include the rookies.'
He knew Naruto wouldn't have any problem but the rest of Team 7 may not be able to keep up with him.
Author's Note: For those interested, this chapter is somewhen after the Zabuza mission but before the Chunin Exams.
The 4 Bandit Subjucgation missions while I wrote them all together in one chapter they actually happen among many missions Team 7 took. It just more fun to see them together.