edited chapter 20
Naruto, in full anbu gear, is lying on his back, exhausted. But, of course, that's saying something considering Naruto is full of energy any other time.
He is back in the arid landscape from his lightning training after coming back from Kumo.
It has been three weeks since he returned from the land of waves.
At that time, both Haku and Zabuza were accepted by Konoha.
Unfortunately for Zabuza, he still has to hide his face and can't carry his sword on his back.
To be expected since it would be a dead giveaway.
He was forced to wear a mask like kakashi in public and have his Konoha headband on his shoulder.
Other than that, he fits in quite well in T&I. As for Haku, he was accepted in Anbu.
He spent a week perfecting his speed and increased his jutsu arsenal like all the others. His mask and code name is wolf.
Now Naruto has a four-person squad for Anbu. This list is him, his sister kukiko, Deidara, and finally Haku.
Back to the present, he is so far away from the village and tired because he went into his Six tails state.
Yes, he controls Kurama's power, but he still has a way to go before he can wield it to the degree of killer Bee.
With him out here, his squadmates all being there in case something happens to him.
He also further developed his tails beast clone.
He more or less dealt with the mental headache when the clone is dispelled.
He got these headaches because of his inexperience in life due to his young age.
To be more specific, he doesn't have the mental resilience to brush it off compared to Kakashi of Gai.
So he'll have to tough it out for the foreseeable future.
Speaking of the tailed beast clone, both he and Kurama can go into a tailed cloak state.
1-3 tails are no big problem, four tails, however to another matter together.
From what he understands, before Kurama's power is split 50-50, he's nearing the limit of what he can use.
His father also pondered a solution to this problem.
His conclusion is not the amount of chakra available but the type.
After a half-hour discussion, he concluded to separate Kurama chakra into yin and yang.
So When Naruto does the clone jutsu, he needs complete control of the yin half, and Kurama does the yang half.
The issue is separating the two chakras to make sure each can only use the specific chakra.
After an hour of resting, Naruto decided to go into the six-tailed states once more before calling it a day.
He stood straight up with his hand taking in the respective hand sign.
Moments later, he is enveloped in a cloak in red chakra. A few minutes after, his body is covered in dark red chakra.
He collapsed to his knees as he was on all fours before the fox bone skeleton attached itself to the chakra cloak.
Right now, his friends are a reasonable distance away for safety in the form of riding on one of Deidara's birds.
Following Kurama's instructions, Naruto let out a few rounds of condensed chakra.
He shot them from his face blasting away chunks of the rocky terrain
before bolting down the valley At unrivaled speed.
Next, he attempted a tailed beast bomb. This is where things can get complicated.
The last time he did this, it forced him out of the chakra cloak state because of the amount he used.
After a few moments, spheres of blue and red chakra floats around him before condescending to a single point.
As more chakra combined, the mixture of the chakras turned purple as it grew in size.
With all the chakra gathered, Naruto unleashed the bomb, sending it away from him only to collide with a rock formation sticking out of the ground.
Once it made contact, it exploded, resulting in a blaze of glory, creating a massive bright light that can be seen miles away.
Naruto glances at himself, spouting a smile since he is still in a six tails state.
He undid the state before signaling the other to pick him.
Once boarded, he headed back to the village since it was getting late.
A week later, Naruto and Yugao were sent out of the village to check on recent disturbances.
Naruto squadmates would have joined but couldn't since Haku still needed to get used to the whole village.
Naruto didn't mind since he works well with Yugao. It's expected when they see the other as a sibling.
Of course, Minato had another smile at his son's ability to find people who care about him.
Unfortunately, there's very little intel on the recent disturbances. It is currently believed to be bandits.
But because there were many unknowns, Hiruzen felt it was best to send two Anbu agents.
If there is more to it, they won't be outmatched compared to genin or chunin tasked with it.
After an hour of traveling, they made it to the location of the most recent report sent.
The location in question is a cave a kilometer away from a nearby village.
They carefully searched the area and found evidence that someone was using this cave and site as a home of sorts.
There are no signs of people living here. Instead, they left to raid a village or move to a new location.
As they continued to search the area, they found a map of the land of fire.
It contains what is presumed to be trails throughout the country.
It was reasonable to assume these trails allow them to travel without being seen.
They concluded that all the trails plotted out are tucked away from routes Konoha shinobi uses when patrolling the country and what times they pass through.
This also concerned them much since it would take time and effort to create a map to this degree.
"We have to send word to the Hokage about this, but first, we need to find the group using this map and fast!" Naruto stated with a concerned tone before folding up the map.
"But first, you need to track down the group using this map," Yugao added.
"Agreed, but there is no way to know which trails they used when leaving!"
"What about Kurama? Can you use his power to track them down?"
"It's not that simple. Yes, I can use his power to track down chakra signatures. But that's if the target in question, for example, a run-of-the-mill bandit, it's nearly impossible since they don't have a developed chakra network!" Naruto informed with an exasperated tone.
"Hmm, wish we had an Inuzuka right now!"
"That's it!"
"What?"
Naruto planted a kunai before disappearing. Yugao knew it was his flying Raijin jutsu.
A few minutes later, he showed up with pakkun by his side.
"Pakkun, I need you to track the scent of this map!"
"I'll see what I can do" he takes a few sniffs before bolting off with Naruto and Yugao right behind him.
"Thanks, Pakkun!"
"No problem, Naruto, not gonna lie didn't think you would add the flying Raijin jutsu to your arsenal."
"I'm still a little shocked myself."
"The target is not far. Wait a second. This isn't good!"
"What is it?"
"I smell another group, and from the scent, I'm pretty sure they're Konoha ninja. But I can't tell you if there are chunin and jonin, though."
"Will have to step up our pace!" The three increased their pace, hoping it was not too late."
With Kurenai teams.
Right now, Kurenai is on the ground with a hurt ankle, pissed more at herself than the enemy for falling into their trap.
To make it worse, her genin huddled around her as a group of bandits with ninja training surrounded them.
On their way back from a mission, they travel through the trees.
Unfortunately, Kurenai stepped on a branch activating seal, causing the tree branch to come out from under her.
She fell, hurting her ankle, effectively crippling her before the enemy came out of the shadows pleased their trap worked.
Her genin fell right into a genjutsu before a paper bomb went off with a drug slowing their reflexes.
One man, the presumed leader, slowly approached the group with a grin that sent shivers down their spines.
The man was about 10 feet away when they heard a strange noise before white bluer came by, slicing the man's head clean off.
A few feet away was a member of Konoha's Anbu with his sword trailing behind him.
If you took a second look, you could see the crimson red blood dripping off the blade.
A look at the newly decapitated man reveals the inner working of the human neck.
He was small before another member of the Anbu with purple hair caught up to him.
A fight broke out between the Anbu Agents and bandits. But, of course, they were in for a surprise when the bandits used chakra.
They quickly put those thoughts aside as they effortlessly dealt with them.
Naruto carefully approached the genin squad, "are you all ok?"
"For the most part, yes, I just hurt my ankle, and they, unfortunately, inhaled a poison slowing the reflexes," Kurenai informed.
"Hmm, Cat, you take Kurenai. I'll help the genin reach the village."
"Hai," she carefully hoisted Kurenai up, having her hold on to her shoulder before heading off.
Naruto looks to the genin, "you guys need a minute?"
They nodded, and after about five minutes, they managed to get to their feet.
Unfortunately, there is still a little out of it, forcing them to walk the rest of the way.
Naruto walked behind them to see if any of them were starting to waver.
Of course, he was also concerned for their mental state this whole time after seeing the bastard's head sliced off.
He hoped the drug they inhaled spared them from that grizzly site.
Sooner or later, they will have to face this. It's an inevitable consequence of this job.
After more than an hour, they made it to the village gates. By this time, they were mostly back to normal.
"Thank you, Mr. Anbu, sir," Hinata bows to him for protecting them.
"No problem, and the name Kitsune" he waved them goodbye as he shunshinned away.
Later that day, he gave his report on the matter and the map he found to the Hokage.
He is glad he did, as now they will have to alter the rotation of guards and patrols.
And hope none of their enemies caught wind of the map.
Naruto looks at his calendar. It would be three more months before the chunin exams begin.
Naruto is treating not only his squad but also Zabuza to Ichiraku ramen in their off-duty gear. But, of course, on the far end is Dean, the death god.
He wanted to try out this ramen to see if it's any good. So far, it was better than he expected.
Haku can go by his real name, but Zabuza can't. So his Alias is Zack to keep it simple.
"So, what are your thoughts on the ramen?" the youngest blonde asked.
"I have to admit Naruto is pretty good," Haku responded, getting a nod of approval from Zabuza.
He looks to the death god sharing their sentiment.
Naruto had five bowls, Kukiko, Deidara, Haku had two bowls, Zabuza three bowls, and Dean, the death god, had five bowls.
Of course, Naruto was already regretting it since this wasn't cheap.
Once that was done, Zabuza returned to the T&I, Dean went back to his realm of the dead.
This left the four-person squad to themselves.
They took this day set back and relaxed in the hot springs, well the boys could.
Kukino, unfortunately, was by herself in the female section.
Or so she thought, the friends she knew were Anko and Yugao. It was a sheer coincidence they were there.
Naruto was quick to sink with his nose up enough to breathe.
Deidara joined him, relaxing against a rock. Haku was definitely the most uncomfortable since this is something he never experienced before.
This was proven since he sat down, sitting straight up, not moving his head at all.
"Haku, just relax and enjoy the water!" Naruto mused from his spot.
"What Naruto said!" Deidara added with a relaxed tone.
Haku's body tensed up for a few moments before his whole body sank into the water.
"I can feel all the sores melting away, Naruto."
"You can say that again, Deidara" they relaxed in the warm water for half an hour before calling it a day.
The next day
"WHAT?" was Naruto's response as he stood before the Hokage in full anbu gear in the mission hall.
Beside the Hokage is Tenzo in his off-duty gear going by the name Yamato.
"Come on, Kitsune, all I'm asking is to fill in for Kurenai while she is in the hospital for a few weeks," he said with a smile, hoping to win him over.
And the fact Kurenai genin are to the side didn't help either.
"No!" was his response shocking everyone but Hiruzen and the hidden anbu.
It is well known in the anbu circles Naruto or Kitsune as he goes by when he is on the clock is the only ninja to defy the Hokage orders openly.
And he releases some killing intent putting the genin of edge, never sensing this before
Hiruzen counters with his own killing intent equal if not greater than Naruto's.
Those witnessing this could've sworn they see lightning shooting from their eyes, fighting for dominance.
Eventually, they left off the killing intent, "why me and not another jonin?"
"Team eight was asking about you after you returned them to the village. So, I thought, what better way to get their answer than you subbing for their sensei," he said with a smile Naruto knew was fake.
"My squad and I were supposed to do a mission today!" he said through gritted teeth.
"I know I have agent cat subbing for you," he said, still retaining that smile.
"bullshit, you planned this, you wrinkly bastard." he did a deep inhale, then exhale.
This resulted in chuckles from Minato and Kurama. The fox filled Minato in all the last time's Naruto was a substitute sensei.
"Being a sensei is not that bad, Naruto, and I want to see you be one first hand!" his father's voice rang in his head.
"Stop helping, old man!" this caused his two inhabitants to break out in more laughter.
With all the restraint he could muster, he leaned to the Hokage ear to whisper, "do you want them to know my identity!"
"Maybe!" was the old Kages response.
Naruto pulled back, letting out groans with defiant stances. Hiruzen knew it would come to this.
After all, he is Kushina's son. She redefined this village's definition of stubbornness the moment she set foot in here.
It was time to bring out the old kage secret weapon. "Oh, Kitsune!"
Naruto recognized that tone all too well. His defiant stance changed straight to fear as he quivered on the spot.
The three genin expressions did a 180. One second this anbu agent was rebelling against the Hokage. The next, he was shaking in fear.
With the same tone, "You have two choices, sensei or-"
"SOLD, KITSUNE SENSEI IT IS!" he said, pointing to the genin. "So what's the mission we're doing!" he said with a forced but still shaky tone.
"Hmm, let's take a look, shall we!" He goes through all the missions available.
"Ah, this C-rank will do. Your mission is to" the three genins cut him off.
"A C-rank, but we're still fresh genin!" Kiba said aloud with a slightly nervous tone,
his squats mates sharing his nervousness.
"Normally, I wouldn't, but this one you can do, and with an Anbu being your sensei for the time being. I know you can do it" he gave them a reassuring smile easing the discomfort on the matter.
"So, what are the mission details?"
"Team eight's mission is to guard a businessmen's shop for a few days. Oh, will you look at that? It's not far from the feudal lord's palace, so they can assist you guarding lady Yukino!"
The moment Naruto heard the word Yukino.
He collapsed to his hands and knees, imaginary limelight shined overhead from his misfortune.
While Naruto was sulking on the ground at the news of being around Yukino again, Hinata was the one speaking up about the second mission.
"Lord Hokage, what about the second mission!" she asked.
"Well, it is considered a C-rank mission since it is at the feudal lord's home. It is a simple Party between noble girls that remind me you would be perfect for this mission as the heiress of the Hyuga clan!" Hinata blushed at this, knowing what he meant.
By this time, Naruto had more or less processed the mission. Thus, he was given standing tall before the Hokage.
"So when do we leave and the time frame between the two missions?"
"Well, the party isn't for another four days, before that in the village not far from it. This is because the owner does a lot of business with the village is going away and needs you to guard it against petty thieves. So lady Yukino's party is the day after he is to return."
"Is thievery a problem for him?" Hinata said with a gentle tone.
"It's actually his brother's son who does it whenever he's gone," Hiruzen said casually.
"You would think by now he'd realize it's pointless," Naruto added.
"Why does he keep trying to rob his uncle's shop?" Shino added.
"The shop owner and his brother have this little war between them. Nothing serious, just sibling rivalry around this time every year. The only thing you need to know is his brother's son tries to break in and take the family heirloom."
"Every year, he asks for a genin squad to guard while the nephew tries to break in," Hiruzen finished.
"How did this come about anyway?" this time, it was Kiba to ask.
"This would be the fifth or sixth year now?" Naruto asked.
"Sixth, the story goes that the shop owner got their mother's ceremonial fan. The brothers made a bet that if the brother or his son can break into his shop and retrieve the fan and escape, he can hold onto it for a year."
"So they've been doing this for six years?"
"No ten, but the shop owner had the fan for the last five, and of this year, the same, it will be six."
"So why are we in the mix?"
"The winner of the previous year can hire help to guard it the next year. That is why he has ninja guarding it," Hiruzen explained.
"The reason he has genin do is to give them field experience for future scenarios," Naruto finished.
"That is all. You have to be there by tomorrow night."
"Meet me at the village gates in one hour and bring a few day's worth of supplies with you."
"Hai Kitsune sensei" they headed off to get their stuff.
Naruto turns his gaze toward the Hokage. "I hate you!"
"I love you to Kitsune!" Hiruzen counters with a smile.
Naruto just sweat drops at this before leaving.
"So how long will it take them to realize Naruto is Kitsune sensei!" Yamato added.
"Hmm, hard to say since they're still fresh genin, that's if they fail before lady Yukino's party."
"They will definitely know by then!"
"Hmm, hopefully, Naruto will get that intel while he's out," his mind going over recent sightings of crows in the area near the palace.
Village gates.
The three genins stood at the village gate, waiting on their temporary sensei.
The hour was almost up. The three started getting concerned. Something came up.
They were pulled from these, though, when kunai landed before them with a letter on it.
Shino walks over to it reading its contents.
"Their direction to a spot about a kilometer down the road." He read
They travel to the letter's destination. When they reached it, agent Kitsune landed before them.
"Sorry to have you walk all the way out here, but I want to keep my contact with you for these missions a secret!" They nodded in understanding.
It would be pretty weird for an Anbu agent going on an incredibly mundane mission with genin.
Kitsune used the transformation jutsu, turning into a typical farmer walking alongside them.
Unfortunately, they won't make it to the job till tomorrow, so they camp out for the night.
While the three genins stayed in a tent, Naruto stayed outside high in a tree.
They ask why he wasn't going to bed. His response was all the Anbu training he did, telling him to do this.
He didn't say it out loud, but he is trying to keep his contact with them a minimum.
The less time they see him, the higher chance they won't sniff out his identity.
He silently cursed the third Hokage for sticking three genins on him.
He's a member of Konoha's Anbu, not a spare sensei. Nevertheless, his squad is out there on an A-rank mission.
And what is he doing, being a glorified babysitter, that doesn't mean he hates being a sensei.
He does enjoy it to a certain degree. He can boss them around while he sets back.
To make things worse, his father and Kurama have been teasing him the whole time. So Naruto sensei this, that, the list goes on.
The only good thing about this is gauging the skill level of Konoha's current generation of shinobi.
From his perch on the tree, he sees a nearly endless sea of green leaves.
He can see the mountains that make up this part and the land of fire on the horizon.
Thankfully the teasing stopped now. Minato asked about this Yukino girl.
He goes into his mind to see, as always, his father and Kurama.
"So Naruto who this Yukino girl Hiruzen is talking about" the former kage has an educated guess from Hiruzen's tone and Naruto's reaction.
"She is a pain in the neck!"
"Ow, it can't be that bad!"
"Oh, I never told you how they met," Kurama tailed off with a smug grin.
"Don't you dare, Kurama!"
"Can't be that bad, can it?"
He never got an answer from Naruto.
Then they saw him land on the natural world's ground only to summon the death god himself.
"You have to take my dad's soul back, please," he pleaded.
The death god grinned before saying "No!" Before disappearing.
Kurama broke out into loud hysterical laughter, joined by Minato.
Clearly, the death god wanted to see Naruto suffer from embarrassment as much as Kurama and Minato.
Naruto found his spot on the tree once more, going back to his mindscape.
On that note, with Kurama's help, they are no longer in the old sewer.
They now stood in the area he faced off against his darkness.
It was a broad grassy plain with trees and bushes all around.
Off to the side is a large hole in a nearby building.
It was clear that it was the old sewer they were in a while ago.
Now in a large grassy area with plenty of legroom.
"So, who's this Yukino girl?"
"A pain like I said before," he spat.
Minato looks to Kurama for an answer, but he just stays silent, enjoying the fact Naruto is gonna spill the truth sooner or later.
With a sigh, "she that girl, we were escorting to her uncle's place after he officially became a ninja."
"Oh, that girl, now I remember!"
"Well, that's all I'm saying!" he said before leaving.
"I'll find out in a few days, it seems," he said more to himself than Kurama.
"I'm looking forward to that," he sneered, getting a chuckle from Minato.
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