I've had a few people asking me to do a filler episode dedicated specifically to my other OC Kenji Kasugano because just like Mako they want to get to know him. Since we've seen Mako during the final stages of the Third Shinobi World War we'll see Kenji's POV of it during the early-middle stages of the conflict. Personally I see nothing wrong with using OCs because they open pathways to original plot and that's what I like, originality and some have told me they adore Kenji and Mako as characters. Enjoy everyone.
Filler chapter: Kenji's Ninja Way
-Hokage's office-
It's been several weeks since Iwagakure had instigated the Third Shinobi World War and it didn't matter which of the Five Great Villages you came from. Everyone was going to have a bad day regardless and it was thanks to Iwa moving into Kusagakure and attacking a Konoha military outpost and killing all the shinobi stationed there that started off as a war between two superpowers until it dragged in Suna and Kiri as well. Kumo was still somewhat neutral but they've begun to show signs of aggression towards the the Leaf and Mist so slowly they began to amass their military in preparation for battle with the two.
Thanks to Iwa's aggression Konoha had graduated all students from the ninja academy earlier to help bolster their strength after Hiruzen Sarutobi had cut the amount of shinobi from active duty to focus on the village's economy. We are taken to the Hokage's tower in mid-day and in the hallways of the building we see three figures walking towards Hiruzen Sarutobi's office. One of the figures is revealed to be a woman about five-foot three with long, beautiful black hair with her left side looking somewhat messy while the right side looked neatly combed. The man was about six-foot one and had medium-length black hair. Both adults had ninjatos with the man having it strapped to his right side on his waist while the woman had it strapped to her back pointing towards the left side and both wore Konoha Jonin vests and headbands. Right behind the two Jonin was a boy about eight years old with black hair in the same fashion as the male Jonin but his facial structure was a mix between the male and the woman's. He wore a black jacket (similar to Naruto's) and gray pants with a wakizashi.
''Mooooom, daaaaad, why are we going to see the old man? Am I in some kind of trouble or what?'' The eight year old, revealed to be a young Kenji Kasugano asked almost whining as he walked behind his parents in the Hokage tower.
Kenji's father turned around and gave his son a smile. ''Well son, I know your graduation was only a few weeks ago and with the war just starting there's no way Lord Third would send you on a D-ranked mission.''
''He better not send me on a D-rank mission because you told me those are below academy student level. He'd better give me some super double ultra S-rank mission!" The boy declared.
Kenji's mother giggled at her son's hyperactivity as she knew ever since her son could walk the boy always bragged about how he would go on S-ranked missions and become to best shinobi Konoha had ever seen. He surely had the determination and will of his father while he took after her with that headstrong attitude. Not to mention he kept on bugging them to take him on hardcore missions with them.
''Kenji, just relax. You'll find out when we get there.'' Said the woman.
The three of them would walk through the hallways for a few more minutes until they finally arrived at Hiruzen's door. Kenji's father knocks on the door three times and heard Hiruzen's voice from the other side inviting them in. Kenji's father opens the door allowing his son and wife to walk in with him coming in last.
The boy raised his eyebrows when he saw two familiar Jonin he looked up to so much. One was Kushina Uzumaki and with her was her Genin team consisting of Asuka Kizama, Ken Sugimori, and finally, his best friend/arch-rival Mako Uchiha. The other Jonin the room was Minato Namikaze and with him were Kenji's own two teammates Rin Nohara and Kakashi Hatake.
Spotting the family Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded as a form of greeting.
''Ah, Kyo, Katsumi, Kenji, you are here.''
''Minato-sensei! Kushina-sensei! Mako-chan!" Kenji exclaimed as he saw his two favorite people aside from his parents.
''Hi Kenji-kun.'' Mako and Kushina both greeted back with a smile.
''Hey Kenji!" Ken and Asuka said.
''Good afternoon Minato.'' Kenji's father and mother greeted.
''Afternoon Kyo, Katsumi, Kenji, how are you today?'' Asked the Yellow Flash.
''We're doing good, but what are you and Kushina-sensei doing here?'' Kenji questioned.
''I was just going over a briefing about a mission I got from Lord Hokage Kenji. Me, Rin, and Kakashi are going to head to Yugakure to see if Kumo has made any infiltration into that country since they've been very hostile to us as much as Iwa has.'' Explained Minato.
'Really?'' Kenji then turns to look at Mako and Kushina. ''What about you Mako? Kushina-sensei? What are you guys here for?''
Kushina smiled at the boy. ''We're here for the same reasons as Minato Kenji. We're all going to see if Kumo shinobi have made their way into Yu. Since that country is a trading partner with us we are obligated to come to their aid should any other Great Village threaten them like Kumo has been for the past several months.''
''But how come I'm not going with Minato-sensei? I'm part of your team!" Kenji whined.
The boy was the third member of Team Minato and to know he won't be participating in missions with them was weird and he thought it was some kind of mistake. Kyo placed a hand on his son's shoulder and the young boy looked over his shoulder to find his father smiling at him.
''Son, Minato thought it would be better if you were to stick with your parents during times like these. Don't worry you'll still get to see him.''
Katsumi then spoke her part.
''Minato also thought it would be much more safer if you went on missions with us Kenji. As your father and I are considered the best kenjutsu users in Konoha's history we'd thought you'd enjoy the idea of being under the command of two awesome swordfighters...not to mention mommy and daddy.'' Katsumi explained, almost giggling at the notion of treating Kenji like she usually did her son on the mission.
Kenji pouted. Minato was a ninja he aspired to be like and the short time he spent with the blonde man since Team Minato formed meant a lot to him. He was bummed that the Yellow Flash requested that he be put under command of his parents since not only did he think it would be better, but Kyo and Katsumi had requested it.
''Oh c'mon Minato-sensei! You're such a cool ninja to be around! Everyone else in our class is jealous that me, Rin, and Kakashi have you as a sensei! Even Shisui wants you as a sensei! I mean, it's nice to know that I'll be with my parents in this fight but I wish I can spend more time with you so you can make me the best ninja in Konoha's history! I look up to you...you're my hero besides dad." Said the boy.
Kyo rubbed his son's head. ''Take it easy Kenji, we haven't been around each other a lot so being under our command should be interesting as this has never happened before where a child is under their parent's wing.''
''Yes, now, Kushina, Minato, You and your teams have your assignments so begin them at once. Gather proof that Kumo has begun to move into Yu and report back as soon as possible so we can prepare to battle them if the need comes.'' The Hokage ordered.
''Yes, we'll see what we can do Lord Hokage.'' Both Kushina and Minato said as they and their students exit the office.
''See you after we get back Kenji-kun.'' Mako said sticking her tongue out at her rival and friend.
''Sucks to be you Kenji.'' Kakashi said in a somewhat condescending tone but the only response he got was a glare from said teammate.
''Sorry you couldn't be with us.'' Rin said apologetically.
Just as he was about to head out the door the Yellow Flash had remembered that he wanted to give something to the Kasugano family. Taking out one of his special kunai he walked over to Kenji and knelt down so that he was eye level with the boy.
''Here you go Kenji, just in case you and your parents need me channel your chakra into this kunai knife. It has the formula for my Flying Thunder God jutsu so if you do what I had just told you I can teleport to you and your parents right away.'' Explained the Yellow Flash.
With Team Kushina and Minato out of the office that now left the family of three with Hiruzen and he was ready to give them their mission.
The Hokage cleared his throat before speaking. ''Alright, I'm glad you three are here now. Kenji I know this is your very first B-ranked mission so listen carefully child. Kyo, Katsumi, in recent days we've gotten reports of Iwa beginning to station forces into Kusa and the ANBU have reported to me that they are sending in a couple hundred of their shinobi every day and that only tells me one thing.''
Katsumi was about to answer but Kenji, being the antsy boy that he is stood in front of his parents. ''That could only mean one thing old man, it means that the Hidden Stone is building up troop numbers in Kusa to start an invasion of our country.'' The boy explained.
Kyo and Katsumi raised their eyebrows as they were impressed by their son's correct prediction.
''That's right Kenji, Iwa must be planning an invasion and we've had a few skirmishes with them at the border. We already have a couple hundred of our shinobi stationed on our side of the border but I have a different mission for you three.'' Hiruzen said.
''And what would that mission be Lord Hokage?'' Kyo asked.
Hiruzen opened a map that was on his desk and showed it to the family.
''I'm having you, Katsumi, and Kenji destroy a structure that is sure to be an important route Iwa will use to transport troops and supplies. The Kannabi Bridge in central Kusa. So if you succeed in destroying it Iwa will have no other way to transport troops unless they make their way through Suna which well, wouldn't be a good idea for them since the Sand hates them too.''
Hiruzen hands Kyo the map and he looks it over.
''It's deep in Iwa controlled territory but getting into Kusa undetected is something me and Katsumi can do without a hassle.'' Pondered the man.
''That's right, before I moved here at the end of the Second War I received extra training in infiltration as a hunter-nin.'' Katsumi said before turning to look at her son. ''I think a mission like this would help Kenji gain some experience in infiltration and sabotage.''
Kyo nodded in agreement. ''I'm with you on that. Two of the best kenjutsu users, infiltration, and sabotage specialists this mission shouldn't be too difficult. I think little Kenji will benefit and use this as a learning experience to help him become an even better ninja.''
Placing a finger on his chin the young Kenji gave that notion a bit of thought. His parents were renowned for their skills. Kyo was known in Konoha as the best kenjutsu user to have ever hailed from the village and was on the same level as Kakashi's dad Sakumo Hatake, Konoha's White Fang. His mother was originally from Kiri but moved to Konoha to be with Kyo after the last war she was an acknowledged student of one of Kiri's swordsmen and was a skilled hunter-nin. Kenji was somewhat popular in the academy for being the son of two highly skilled and competent ninja. He was trained the past few weeks well by Minato Namikaze but he knew that this also was a chance to learn from both his parents and become just as skilled as them which in turn would make him even better.
''I admit, I'm a bit disappointed that I can't go on that mission with Minato-sensei and I have learned a great deal from him with the short time we were together, but I'm also glad I get to go on a mission with mom and dad so I can learn their skills.'' Kenji said with a big smile plastering his face.
The three older shinobi let out a short laugh at the aspiring shinobi's antics.
''I'm glad to hear that son. Minato is a good sensei to you so I hope we can at least be good leaders as him.'' Kyo said.
''Yes, he's trained you well and what perfect way to test you than to have you go on a sabotage mission with your parents?'' Asked Katsumi.
Hiruzen nodded. ''Your parents are right Kenji, while Minato had trained you so well during your short time with him your parents really want to see what you're made of and don't worry, while you're out there against enemy ninja remember you have your parents there for you and I'm sure Minato would say the same thing. I understand how much you idolize him as much as a majority of his peers.''
A saddened expression formed on the boy's face. ''Since I'm going on this mission with mom and dad does that mean I'll never be under Minato-sensei's command again?''
''No no Kenji, Minato was needed to help Kushina to confirm Kumo has forces in Yu. You'll only be on a few missions with them as Minato wants you to be with your parents for a bit. You'll be under his guidance again in due time so don't worry.'' Hiruzen said reassuringly.
''Oh Kenji, just think of it this way. When you're done going on missions with us and when you get back with Minato remember that you've received guidance from three of Konoha's best so that's something that few ninja get. Be happy.'' Katsumi cooed while pinching her son on the cheek much to his chagrin.
''Agh, mom stop it not in front of dad and the old man.'' Whined the boy.
The two older male shinobi laughed at Kenji's demise before Hiruzen finally dismissed them to begin their sabotage mission.
-Konoha Main Gate-
After being dismissed from the third Hokage Kyo, Katsumi, and Kenji were making their final preparations at the main gate before they headed out to Kusa. Since war was going on now the amount of ANBU who were watching the gate and all sides of the wall that surrounded the village had been increased ten-fold for tight security.
''Mom, dad, what do you have to do to join ANBU?'' Kenji, who was adamantly observing the ANBU agents around him asked.
Kyo was too busy looking over the map of their mission area so he asked his wife to answer their son's question.
''It's actually quite hard to get into ANBU Kenji. The only way you can get into the ANBU is to be selected by Lord Hokage himself.'' Explained the mother.
''Wow, so that means you have to be awesomely awesome and super crazy strong right? You guys would make awesome ANBU agents.'' The boy said happily. ''So how does the old man choose the ANBU? Do you have to pass some crazy test or go through training made for ANBU?''
Katsumi giggled and playfully rubbed the top of her son's head. ''I'll tell you more about that later Kenji, right now we need to prepare to leave for our mission.''
She then looked at her husband.
''Alright Katsumi, Kenji, let's go over the supply list to make sure we didn't forget anything.'' Kyo said.
''Field Rations.''
''Check.'' Katsumi said.
''Just in case we're out there for more than one day, have extra clothes?''
''Check.'' Kenji said.
''Water.''
''Check.'' Katsumi and Kenji said in unison.
''Toilet paper.''
''Definite check.'' Kenji said.
''Everything else we have brought?''
''Check.''
Kyo nodded. ''Excellent, we've got everything packed and I got our paper bombs for the bridge, so let's go everyone.''
With their final preparations complete the family of shinobi leaped away from the gate and headed into the trees disappearing into the green ocean of leaves headed to Kusagakure to assist in the war effort.
-Forests of Kusa-
The family had traveled through all of fire country and it took them a little under two hours to make their way into Kusa. Meeting up with forces from the border they had explained to the two Jonin in charge of the last checkpoint right next to the Kusa border that they were being sent in by Hiruzen to head to the Kannabi bridge and destroy it.
The three of them were now seen walking their way through a small river that cut through a large bamboo forest in the middle of grass country.
''According to the map we are only about 5 clicks away from the bridge so if we keep going at this pace we'll reach it..eventually.'' Kyo said overlooking the map of Kusa.
''Since we'll be on the move for a while we need to consider the high numbers of Iwa ninja reported to be lurking in grass country it should be no surprise that we managed to reach this deep behind their lines since we're infiltration specialists. We really need to thank Jiraiya-sensei for the training.'' Katsumi said. She turns to look at her son and was surprised to see that he wasn't exhausted at all since they had left Konoha. ''You aren't tired Kenji? I always knew you had high amounts of stamina but to go on this long is quite surprising.''
''I get it from you right mom? You have a lot of stamina and so does dad, I guess I take after the both of you.'' The boy said with a grin.
His grin however, would vanish from his face when he looked into the air and began to scan the surrounding treetops.
Kyo and Katsumi noticed the sudden change in the air and looked up at the trees with their son before turning to face him and saw that he was scanning said treetops as if he was searching for something.
''Mom, dad, do you feel and sense that? We aren't alone.'' Said the boy.
The two parents smiled at their son as they were adept sensors. They hoped their sensory skills would be passed on to their son and the evidence was plain as day before them.
The three of them then get on one knee behind a massive log to avoid any potential enemy in the area from visually acquiring them.
''Kenji, place a finger on the ground.'' Kyo instructed.
Doing what his father told him, the black-haired boy placed in left index finger on the grass and closed his eyes. He stays in that position for a few seconds before taking his finger off the ground and opening his eyes to look at his parents.
''I sense just one person and judging from his chakra he is definitely an Iwa shinobi.'' Kenji said.
''Good job son, Katsumi-chan I think it would be your honor to take our friend out.'' Kyo said.
Katsumi reached for her ninjato but Kenji stopped her.
''Hm? What are you doing Kenji?''
''Mom, dad, since this is my first time getting into a fight with a foreign shinobi I want to try and see what I can do in a real fight. I've had many fights with Mako-chan and Kakashi before but those were just spars. This is my chance to gain experience in real fighting.'' The boy explained and the determination in his eyes told his parents that he wasn't going to take no for an answer.
Kyo and Katsumi looked at each other and smiled.
''Fine Kenji, fine. Go and kick this guy's butt. However, if we see that you can't handle it we are going to jump in right away understood?'' Said Katsumi in a stern, motherly voice.
''That's right, this is the real deal Kenji so don't play around like it's a spar okay?'' Kyo said.
Kenji nodded to show that he understood his parents but he didn't like how they were treating him like a child. Well, he is a child and he knew that.
''I know mom! Dad! I got this.''
The boy drew his wakizashi and stood atop the log he and his parents were hidden behind and he looked deeper into the distant treeline. He narrowed his eyes to scan for his target.
Off in the distance we see the lone Iwa ninja hiding behind a large tree and he was eyeing the family with a hateful look. In his hand was a katana that he planned to have waste the Konoha ninja.
''Kyo and Katsumi Kasugano of Konohagakure, the two best swordfighters in that village. It's my lucky day those two are High Value Targets in the Iwa bingo books besides that Yellow Flash guy.''
The Iwa man then takes notice of Kenji in the presence of his parents.
''Aw, that brought their brat along with them. I always wanted to waste a Konoha kid.''
He sets his eyes particularly on Kenji as the boy was in front of his parents and he knew the kid had detected him so the Iwa Jonin took four kunai knives and hurl them at the boy and performed a clone jutsu of the ninja tool hoping that the sudden barrage would be too much for some kid to evade.
However, Kenji had spotted the light glistening off the metal of the kunai and that revealed Mahiru's location. So the boy took his wakizashi and dashed towards where he suspected Mahiru was hiding head on into the kunai hellstorm.
''What a stupid little kid, thinking he's a brave man charging into a kunai barrage like that?'' Mahiru said under his breath.
Kyo and Katsumi unsheath their ninjatos and dash forward just ahead of Kenji and with tremendous skill and precision they used their swords to swat away all the kunai clones dispelling them that Mahiru didn't have time to blink and register what happened.
He was so shocked by Kyo and Katsumi's speed that he didn't notice Kenji had already acquired his exact position. He looked down to see the boy ready to shove his wakizashi into his chest but quickly Mahiru used a mud clone as a substitution and manages to avoid getting skewered by the boy's sword.
''Gotcha!" Kenji thought but his eyes went wide when he saw Mahiru slowly turn into mud. ''Dang it! It was a mud clone!''
The boy failed to notice the shadow looming over him and it was revealed to be Mahiru with his katana drawn and he had a look of pure glee on his face as he descended upon the aspiring Konoha ninja.
''You're pretty good you little shit, fast and perceptive but you're not a real shinobi if you can't see this coming." Said the man.
Hearing the voice Kenji looks up and sees said Iwa Jonin ready to take him out. Before the Iwa man could reach the boy Katsumi had practically dashed towards him and stabbed Mahiru in the gut with her ninjato while Kyo had rushed in and scooped Kenji away and took him to safety as Katsumi finishes Mahiru off by thrusting her sword into his heart killing him instantly. His body falling to the grass with a loud thud.
Setting his son down Kyo watches as the boy rushes over to the corpse where his mother landed second later and pointed at her accusingly.
''Hey mom! I had it! I could've beaten him!"
Katsumi raised a hand up and wiggled it at her son.
''Kenji stop it now. You know you would've died if me and your father didn't intervene.'' She said in an almost lecture type voice.
''That's right son and we admit you were doing quite well in the beginning but when he started using his mud clone we knew that it tipped in his favor. You are learning well from Minato and your swordsmanship is great but you still have a slightly slow reaction speed. You didn't notice he was coming for you when he used his mud clone substitution.'' Kyo said chipping in his two cents.
''Yeaaaaaah whatever! I can take this guy on with one arm tied behind my back.'' Kenji snorted.
''Son, listen. You had the upper-hand we admit that but that was when it was a one on one confrontation and you fought a clone. However, when the real one came out you were at a disadvantage because you had an extra opponent to deal with.'' Kyo explained making his son realize that his father was right.
''Yes, while we have no doubt that you can handle a single Iwa shinobi when you have more than one to deal with sweetie you'll be in trouble because you don't have the physical strength to take on two or more. Leave any fights where we'd have to fight more than one to us Kenji.' Katsumi added.
His parents were right. When he leaped into combat against the clone of the Iwa shinobi he knew he had it in the bag but when the real one appeared he failed to notice him which caused his parents to react and protect him.
''I had it so easy with the first one.'' Said the boy.
''You did, but the notion of being taken by surprise of it being a clone is what also left you vulnerable.'' Kyo said and saw that his son was looking the opposite direction away from him. He and Katsumi bend down so they were eye level with the boy.
''Come on sweetie, no need to fret about it. We're here to protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you.'' Katsumi cooed into his ear.
''Still, Mako-chan can handle a lot of opponents on her own I want to be like her. She's so good.'' The boy said.
The two parents smiled at their son. Even in a war he was determined to show how much he has improved since he had been put under the supervision of Minato and they knew about his rivalry and strong friendship with Mako Uchiha. They had the belief that he will match the girl one day, maybe surpass her but he had a long way to go.
Kenji looked up at his parents and gave them a look of determination. ''Mom, dad, I gave you both and Mako-chan a promise and that promise is that I will do whatever it takes to become the strongest shinobi! Even stronger than Mako herself. I also promised you guys that I will protect you all no matter what even If I end up losing my life. I never go back on my word.'' He declared confidently.
The two parents let out small laughs and smiled warmly. Their son was stubborn and determined but he did have traits from both of them.
''Well, we look forward to the day you beat Mako-chan in a spar sweetie.'' Katsumi said.
''Yes, for now, we should continue on to the bridge and get the mission done.'' Kyo suggested and the family continued onward towards their objective.
Unknown to them however, a two figures about a quarter of a mile away were watching them and thanks to their camouflage jutsu they were able to remain unseen.
''Hey, that's Kyo and Katsumi Kasugano right? The two best swordfighters in Konoha we have a big bounty on their heads.'' One of the figures said.
''Yeah, it would be awesome if we can take them out because there's no way in hell we're fighting the Yellow Flash.'' The larger figure quipped.
''Let's tail them and try to get their little brat because if I were a parent seeing my son would make me break right away.''
The two invisible men stealthily tailed the family through the forests of Kusa ready to strike when Kyo, Katsumi, and Kenji let their guard down.
Several hours later..
After making their way deeper into Kusa the family now knew that they were incredibly deep behind Iwa lines and on their way they had encountered a few Iwa shinobi but it proved too easy a challenge for the strength of Kyo and Katsumi while Kenji was left to watch for his safety and for him to observe the way they fought.
''Alright, we've been going at it for a while now so what do you guys say to an hour's worth of rest? Maybe rest the night?'' Kyo suggested.
''Yeah, I'm getting a bit thirsty and I bet Kenji is too.'' Katsumi said turning to look at their son.
''Finally! I'm getting really hungry! I need my portable ramen!'' The boy shouted.
The family kept going until they found a small clearing full of grass and completely surrounded by bushes making it an ideal place to hide and a good place to take a break.
''We'll rest here for the evening. As much as I want us to take a night off, now that I think about it it would be better to rest for a few hours and head straight to the bridge. We're only four miles away from it.'' Kyo explained as he looked the map over.
''Oh come on! We should rest for the entire night! It's only like six anyway. Let's take our chance to rest.'' Kenji said. As much as he was determined to complete his very first mission in a war he knew that there had to be times to take to rest. He couldn't go on forever.
''Your dad is right sweetie. Just use what time we have to rest up and we'll ask Lord Hokage to take at least four days off when we return.'' Said Katsumi sternly.
''Nooooooo! I want to have a good night's sleep!'' Kenji whined.
Kyo almost laughed at his son's stubborn attitude. ''Thanks a lot Katsu-chan, it's your fault he's so stubborn.''
Katsumi bonked her husband on the head for his comment. ''Would you rather have him be stubborn or a womanizer like you? I heard that you were quite the womanizer in your Chunin days.'' She said almost growling.
''Ow, that hurt. Fine Kenji, we'll stay the night here but as soon as the crack of dawn hits us we're going understood?'' Kyo said.
''Yeah! You got it dad, just try not to sleep in!" Kenji quipped.
''Then it's settled. We'll rest the night and as soon as the sun starts coming up we'll head to the bridge and complete the mission.'' Kyo conluded.
The family then took their chance to rest up as much as they can and soon enough night would the sky was almost black save for the last spec of sunlight on the horizon. Since it was almost eight now the two parents decided to let Kenji be the first guard of the night since he was so adamant about it. Currently the boy was walking in circles around his parents as they rested on makeshift beds and pillows constructed out of leaves. They had only packed enough in their packs for a day but did not include sleeping bags since originally they weren't planning to have an extensive rest period.
Kenji marched around his parents with his wakizashi in hand and kept his head on a swivel just in case any Iwa ninja tried to attack them and so far he had not seen or sensed any trouble. That was until he felt a terrible feeling in his groin, a burning feeling as well as his stomach rumbling and he knew what that entailed next. Since he would be sleeping soon he discarded his black jacket and his headband so he didn't have to waste anytime taking them off when he was to go to bed.
''Oh man, I have to use the bathroom. Mom and dad will be fine it'll take a few minutes.'' The boy thought as he runs to his pack and takes out a roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer and ran off several meters into the brush so he wouldn't disturb his parents.
He finds a rather large bush and begins to unbuckle the belt on his pants but before he could do that an invisible figure sneaks behind him and covers his mouth with a cloth while an arm snakes it's way around his and in a matter of seconds he was choked into unconsciousness. The figure then dispels their camouflage jutsu.
''Too easy. Hope those two don't mind me borrowing their brat for a while.'' The revealed Taiseki, one of the Iwa Jonin who was stalking the family thought as he slings Kenji over his shoulder and leaps away to rejoin his comrade deeper into the forest.
An hour would pass after their son had left to use the restroom and we see Katsumi stirring in her sleep. She then rose and rubbed her eyes and looked around and saw that her son was no where in sight. She immediately got up and searched the surrounding area for any signs of him and that's when she began to worry. She initially thought her son was a short way's away from their sleeping area but now that she saw that he was missing she ran back towards Kyo and shook him awake.
''Kyo wake up!''
''Erm, what? What's going on?'' The man said groggily.
''K-Kenji is missing! I found these.'' She said producing the roll of toilet paper he had brought with him.
Kyo's eyes widened and he quickly sat up. ''What happened?!''
''I don't know, I just woke up and saw that he wasn't here.'' The woman answered.
Kyo's eyes then narrowed and he looked off to the west. Since he was a sensor type he had managed to just pick up a faint chakra signature several miles from their location.
''Iwa shinobi have him.'' The man said coldly.
Katsumi looked in the direction her husband was looking and closed her eyes. She too was a sensor type.
''Yes, I can tell, their chakra.''
They both then picked up chakra that was heavily distorted and they immediately knew it was their son's.
''What are they doing with him? We need to go now!"
The two parents gathered their packs and swords before heading into the direction in which their son was taken.
-Cave somewhere in Kusa-
He was taken from Iwa shinobi, they dragged him through the forest for several miles before deciding to make shelter for the night. They used the element Earth to their advantage and made a makeshift cave to rest in and since they had Kenji in their clutches they thought it would be a good idea to interrogate the boy.
''Alright brat, tell us how many shinobi you have moving towards Kusa and we'll let you go, maybe.'' Kakko, the other shinobi who accompanied Taiseki asked.
''Why should I tell you that? I don't talk to Iwa shinobi so leave me alone you afro freak!" Kenji screamed in defiance.
Taiseki, the larger man stepped up with a kunai in hand. ''Tell us everything you know you little shit or else.''
''Or else what? What are you gonna do? You big, ape looking jerk! You, skinny guy you look like you killed a big raccoon and glued it to your head that's the worst afro I've ever seen! I'm not scared of you guys.'' The boy spat in further defiance.
Taiseki and Kakko narrowed their eyes at the defiant boy. The bigger Iwa Jonin raised his kunai to end the boy's life but Kakko stopped him.
''Wait, I don't want to kill him just yet. I think I prefer if this brat was quiet.'' Kakko said before performing a series of hand seals.
He then casts an interrogation and torture genjutsu and Kenji's eyes widened for a second before his head droops.
''Nice, I bet this kid isn't going to last long with this genjutsu. It's very effective indeed.'' Taiseki said.
''Yep, this little shit is gonna give us the info we need for the front lines forces. We need the locations of where their supply camps are near the border with Kusa and we can deal a heavy blow to those Konoha scum.'' Kakko said with a nod.
Then, a slight wind blew through the cave entrance and the two Jonin turn around once they felt it and saw two figures standing before them.
''Let our son go.'' Kyo ordered.
''If you don't there will be blood spilled.'' Katsumi growled.
''Isn't that cute, they came to rescue the little shit. I mean, I'm not complaining that's what a parent would do. Don't worry though we didn't hurt him, actually, we're gonna hurt him so maybe you should worry.'' Admitted Kakko.
Kakko draws his forearm swords while Taiseki drew a kunai knife prompting Kyo and Katsumi to do the same by unsheathing their ninjatos. Katsumi held her sword in her left hand with it pointed at the Iwa shinobi while Kyo held his in his right in an underhand grip close to his chest. Then the two sides rushed towards each other to engage. Katsumi rushes up to Taiseki and dodges a downward swing from the large man's kunai knife and quickly she brings her leg down and sweeps the man off his feet. She ends the fight by swinging her ninjato and bisects the man in half and she felt embarrassed at how her fight lasted only a few seconds. She looks up to her husband and watched as he engaged Kakko and saw that the afro-haired man was proving to be quite a challenge for him.
She runs over and raises her ninjato high to help her husband but Kakko heard her yell and performs a spinning attack while sticking his arms outward creating a spinning tornado of sharp blades so that they were forced to jump away to avoid being injured or killed.
''Damn, he's a fast one.'' Kyo thought. He looks to his wife and nods to her.
The married couple held their ninjatos protectively in front of them and as soon as Kakko halted his spin they both lunged at him but like before he effortlessly used both his blades to deflect their attacks. Kakko then disarms the both of them and they were left weaponless so he took the chance to thrust his swords into both their chests, a maniacal smile plastering his face. He failed to notice that both Kyo and Katsumi had reached for a kunai knife and the Iwa Jonin cried out in agony as they thrust the knives into his back and gut making him cough blood and his body drops to the ground.
The man laid still and that was all Kyo and Katsumi needed to know that they had won. They take Kenji's wakizashi that was strapped to Kakko's side and rush over to their son and saw that he was placed in a torture and interrogation genjutsu. Katsumi places a hand on her son's forehead and looked into his eyes and saw that he appeared to be dazed and away from reality.
They both perform a hand seal. ''Release!"
Kenji's dazed and zombie-like facial expression changed to one of confusion as he looked at the faces of his parents. ''M-mom? Dad?''
''You're going to be just fine sweetie.'' Katsumi said as she cuts his bindings.
After she does so Kyo picks him up and places him on his back so Kyo looked like he was giving Kenji a piggy-back ride. Before they could take off however, they noticed that Kakko's seemingly dead body wasn't where they had left it and instead saw the two kunai be and his wife plunged into his body on the ground. Then the ground started to shake like an earthquake.
Outside at the entrance of the cave we see Kakko who had managed to get out of the cave and he used an Earth Flow Spear to try and kill the family. After using the latter jutsu he goes on to use a Rock Breaker jutsu as a precaution. The cave began to collapse. Kyo and Katsumi felt the ground below them begin to rise and knowing what it was Kyo and Katsumi tossed their son as hard as they could to try to get him out of the way.
''Mom! Dad!" Kenji cried out as a large boulder falls in between him and his parents saving him from the scene that would happen seconds later as the cries of both his parents are heard.
As the cave collapses on the family Kakko was seen outside of it and when the shaking stopped he got up and smiled to himself.
''Fucking Konoha ninja's, putting the well-being of some brat over whatever their mission was. Shit gets them killed all the time.'' The Iwa Jonin said.
As the dust cloud within the cave cleared we see that Kenji was on his back, coughing from the air inside but to his luck it cleared and he was able to breath properly again. However, when he looked up he saw a boulder in the way that prevented him from seeing if his parents were fine so he gets up and runs around it only to gasp in horror at what he saw.
The Earth Flow Spears Kakko had activated had skewered his parents through the stomach and a second later the spears recede into the ground. The boy rushes over to them and kneels down beside his mortally wounded parents.
''No! Mom, dad!'' Kenji screamed as tears begin to flow out of his eyes.
''K-Kenji..'' Kyo and Katsumi said, albeit their voices were very weak and blood was gushing voraciously from their wounds.
Kenji realized that had he not pegged his parents so much to get him on higher ranked missions they wouldn't even be in this situation right now. But now he was paying the price of war and here he was with his parents mortally wounded in front of him with only a few minutes to spare.
''You okay...sweetie?'' Katsumi asked and despite her pain, she smiled at him.
The two parents held their hands out and the boy took them into both of his and he began to cry uncontrollably.
''It's all my fault. I shouldn't have bugged you and the old man to let me go on these kinds of mission.'' Kenji said between sobs.
''N-no, it's not your..it's not your fault son. We were stupid to take this mission in general..we're sorry for this outcome.'' Kyo said weakly.
''Your father is right sweetie...just..'' Katsumi couldn't finish her sentence as she began to cough violently. Blood flying out her mouth staining the cave floor.
''Kenji, you need to...you need to head home...this mission can't be done now..'' Kyo began to cough just like his wife.
Realizing they only had a minute at most to live before they bled out they used what energy they had to hand their ninjatos to their son which survived the cave in. Kenji widened his eyes in realization as he knew too that they were about to die. He slowly reaches for the swords.
''There's not much time left, that ninja way of yours, don't just try...to surpass..Mako...promise us...that you'll never give up on your dreams of doing so...'' Kyo said very weakly.
Katsumi coughed again before saying her part. ''And..promise us...that you'll become the best sword-fighter like you always wanted to...for us sweetie.''
Kenji moved the swords toward him before taking both his parents' hands into his own.
''Mom...dad...I love the both of you...'' Kenji said between sobs.
''We...we love you too...tell Minato...we want..him to watch over you.'' Both parents said before they took their last breaths and their bodies went completely limp.
Now that they were gone the boy began to cry uncontrollably as he held on tightly to their hands as the head in them was slowly dissipating.
30 minutes later...
While Kenji mourned over his parents we see Kakko outside of the cave again sitting by a tree trunk and was rummaging through the packs of Kyo and Katsumi. He sighs in content when he takes out a small pack full of food and began to eat it while drinking from Katsumi's canteen.
''Man, Konoha makes some great food for a shit village.'' The man thought as he enjoyed the meal.
Kakko was caught completely off guard when a thunderous boom was heard and he looked up to see a powerful Fire Ball jutsu blow out the top of the cave and a mass of smoke surrounded the area. The outer flames catching some trees on fire illuminating the clearing.
''What the hell?'' Kakko said in a low voice.
A few minutes would pass before the cloud of debris clears and Kakko looks up to see Kenji standing before him with his wakizashi in his hand and his mother's ninjato was strapped to his back while his father's was strapped to his side for quick access. It was thanks to the burning trees he could even see the boy.
''Wow, you're still alive you little shit? I'm actually surprised, the first Konoha brat I killed died right away'' The Iwa man sneered before taking notice that Kenji was crying with his eyes closed. ''Awww, are you crying because mommy and daddy died? You don't deserve to be a shinobi brat because a real shinobi like me do not cry. So, you wanna settle this cry baby?''
Despite the harsh words coming from Kakko, Kenji simply opened his eyes slowly and what Kakko saw made his smirk vanish. The killer intent in the boy's eyes made the man cautious and it was so powerful anyone within a mile radius could feel it. The flames from the burning trees reflecting off the boy's eyes made him appear menacing.
''Huh? There's something different about him now.'' Kakko thought as he sensed a fight brewing.
Kenji slowly hold his wakizashi in front of him and intensifies his glare at Kakko. The boy said nothing as he leaps towards the Iwa man with his sword ready for the kill.
Kakko reacts by taking his forearm blades out and swings them in opposite directions just as the boy comes within reach of him and the force in which he swung his blades shattered Kenji's wakizashi in a sound of breaking steel that echoes.
The two male shinobi eye each other as their faces were inches from each other and when Kenji landed on the ground he takes out his parents' ninjatos and held the one in his left hand in a normal grip while his right hand was held in the way his father held it. He points the left one out at Kakko while he had the right one held closer to his chest.
They both then charge towards each other ready to settle the battle and as they come within arm's reach of each other Kakko thrusts his blades forward while Kenji swings his ninjatos and the sounds of flesh being sliced apart fills the air accompanied by a cry of agony.
Kakko's body falls to the ground with a thud and it is shown that Kenji had sliced him into three pieces. His legs and head separated from his body. Kenji stands over the corpse and before he can relax multiple Iwa shinobi appear all around him and the boy looks all around him eyeing each shinobi individually.
He holds his ninjatos defensively in front of him ready to repel any attacks they might send his way.
One of the Iwa Jonin chuckled in amusement. ''That's really cute brat you really think you can take all of us? Get him guys!"
On command the other Iwa shinobi draw weapons and leap towards Kenji who stands his ground. As they all leap onto Kenji the boy moves with speed and precision as he goes to slice his way through every single last one of the Iwa ninja. Blood spilling everywhere and the cries of the Iwa ninja fill the air as they all drop one by one and in a rare case, three at a time. One Iwa shinobi tries to grab Kenji from behind but the boy maneuvers his left sword and stabs the man in the heart before pushing him off and performing an extremely powerful roundhouse kick at another and the man's head is sent twisting completely in a circle breaking his neck and killing him. Another Iwa ninja was sliced vertically in half from the head down to the groin. The boy effortlessly cuts down the remaining Iwa ninja before turning to face the one who taunted him and the man appeared to be shivering slightly in fear as he gazed upon the blood covered Konoha Genin.
''This kid...what the hell is he?''
Those were the man's last thoughts as Kenji lunges towards him and skewers him before swinging his sword and slicing his head vertically in half. With the all his enemies defeated, Kenji breaths heavily from exhaustion.
''The flames...they're getting bigger..I need to..get...out of here.'' He thought but he then fainted and laid still with all the mutilated bodies of the Iwa shinobi.
Then, a figure appeared over the boy and picked him up before vanishing in the blink of an eye.
-Konoha General Hospital-
''Erm..'' Kenji groaned in pain as he began to regain consciousness. The headache making him cringe as he slowly sits up and rubs his eyes before opening them.
The boy looks around and saw that he was in a hospital but he wasn't sure where. ''Where...where am I?''
''Kenji!'' A female voice shouted.
Kenji looks to his left and sees Mako running up to him and enveloping him in a tight hug.
''Mako?''
''So, you're awake Kenji.'' A second familiar voice said and Kenji looked up to see Minato walking towards him.
''Minato-sensei!''
''Oh Kenji, when Minato-sensei brought you back and I saw you covered in blood I was so scared...''
Kenji then remembered the events that transpired several hours before and his expression changed to one of sadness. Minato knew why the boy had the look on his face and he sat beside him on the bed and joined the embrace alongside Mako.
''Wait, how did you find me Minato-sensei?'' Kenji asked out of curiosity.
Minato held the kunai he had given to the boy before he departed on that mission. ''The kunai I gave you, I sensed something was very wrong so I came. Sorry Kenji, I was too late and I saw what happened to your parents.''
Kenji's eyes began to tear up when the image of his mortally wounded parents appeared in his head. Mako heard her best friend begin to sob and she tightened her embrace and gave him a quick kiss on the cheeks.
''It's my fault they're dead...'' The boy sobbed.
Mako rested her forehead against her best friend's. ''Don't say that Kenji, it wasn't your fault.''
''She's right, if it was anyone's fault you lost your parents it's Iwa's doing. They killed your parents not you Kenji.'' Minato said.
''But..'' Kenji couldn't finish speaking when Mako interrupted him.
''Stop saying it's your fault, did you use the jutsu that killed them? No you didn't Kenji-kun so be quiet.'' Mako said sternly before hugging him again.
''They're right..but still...I made one little mistake...''
The door to the room opened and in walked Rin and Kushina and quickly the two females rushed over to the bed and gave Kenji a hug. No words needed to be spoken in that moment as Mako, Rin, Kushina, Minato, and Kenji stayed in that group hug for the rest of the night.
-Konoha War Memorial-
It had been a several months since Kenji had lost his parents. In recent days the Third Shinobi World War was winding down thanks to the efforts of Minato who had managed to repel an invasion of one-thousand Iwa shinobi which forced the Tsuchikage to call for a peace treaty. After weeks of being with the four people who cared about him the most, those people being Rin his female teammate, Mako his arch-rival and best friend, and the two Jonin he admired most Kushina and Minato the boy was able to be happy again though that didn't mean he can forever forget the loss of his parents.
Hiruzen was visibly shocked and heartbroken at seeing the boy at the hospital so he had Minato and Kushina take their teams and thanks to all of them they managed to destroy the Kannabi bridge.
Kenji was now seen standing before two connected gravestones in his usual attire only this time he wore his mother's ninjato on his back and his father's on his side.
''Hey mom, hey dad.'' The boy then sits on the grass and looks at the gravestone ''Minato-sensei promised me that he'd train me in mastering that jutsu he created, I think it was called the Rasengan but he told me he won't be training with the team for a long time because he was chosen as the fourth Hokage by the old man. I know! That's crazy right? You should've seen my face when I went to his house and he told me I almost exploded in happiness and envy. Oh yeah, I have a spar planned with Mako and this will be our one-hundredth battle. The war is winding down too.'' The boy explained to his parents before he heard some noise in the distance.
Looking over his shoulder he saw Rin, Mako, and his self-declared brother Shisui Uchiha standing several feet away from him.
''It's time Kenji, we have to go see Minato-sensei put on the Hokage's hat!" Rin called out.
''Oh! I'll be there just give me a second to say good-bye.'' He shouted back before turning to face the gravestones again. ''Well, gotta go mom, dad. See you later. I promise that I will train hard and be the best sword-fighter you'd ever seen and I will defeat Mako in a spar. I don't quit because that's my ninja way.''
He waves to the gravestones before getting up and running over to join his friends and together the four of them walk towards the Hokage's tower.