The God of Wind:
I am SO sorry for the late post. I've been busy recently and it just completely slipped my mind to make sure to post on public sites. From now on I'll be adding an event on my calendar to remind me so it doesn't happen again.
The Humming Mist Arc:
Chapter 17: The Disaster that Wasn't.
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– Hidden Leaf Village, 997 A.S. –
Shikako worried her lip. It had been three weeks since Narut had left for his mission, and not a single hint of a word from him. Perhaps something had happened–she'd heard horror stories from her father about rookie teams being drawn into missions beyond their scope. It didn't help that Asuma was tight-lipped about it when she asked.
She sighed and returned to practicing her Shadow Possession jutsu. Worrying did nothing for her. A slender shadow slithered across the ground and tried to snare a squirrel.
She was broken from her concentration with the arrival of an Anbu. The woman who had long, distinctive purple hair, and wore a cat mask. Sheathed over her shoulder was a katana. The woman seemed to be studying her. Ino and Choji glanced over, curious about the odd arrival.
"Greetings, I have been asked to escort you to the hospital. Naruto Senju and his team have returned. They are currently resting."
Shikako's stomach lurched. What had happened to cause him to end up in the hospital? Without a thought, she began to pack up her supplies.
Before the Anbu had a chance to continue, she moved past him and began to dash towards the hospital. She raced through the streets, dodging around random passersby and rapidly closing on her destination. Beside her, she could sense Ino and Choji racing along. Before she knew it, she turned the corner onto the street where the hospital was located.
The hospital stood three stories tall, with a broad face of white concrete dotted with windows that glinted in the sun. The sloped roof was painted sapphire blue with thick electrical pipes–thick electrical pipes crawled across the shingles. Over a clear set of four glass doors, a sign hung with a green background and a red circle with the kanji for 'healing' inside.
Shikako dashed forwards. She shoved the glass door open and sprinted across the lobby to the reception desk.
Her chest heaved for air as she leaned on the desk heavily. The receptionist, a young man with short brown hair a few years older than her, seemed startled. "Uh, miss, can I help you?"
"What room is Naruto Senju in?" she asked between pants.
"Um, are you a relative?" The man sounded uncertain.
She frowned, as her breathing began to settle. Maybe she could try to lie, but that would be a drag. Besides, most people knew Naruto didn't have any family except the Hokage and his own family.
"No, I'm his best friend. I just want to make sure he's okay. Please, tell me where he is?"
The receptionist frowned. "Normally, I wouldn't make an exception. But I think this one time it's okay. He's in room 115. Besides, my records show that he's only being checked over, there aren't any serious injuries or illnesses.
Shikako felt the pressure that had been on her chest ease away. She offered the receptionist a thankful smile and glanced around. According to the signs above the right-hand hallway, she could find room 115 that way.
She began to walk in that direction at a much slower pace, Ino and Choji falling into step beside her.
"Well, at least he's okay, that's good to hear. I hope Sasuke is okay too." Ino said, no doubt hoping to cheer her up. Though she could do without Ino's obsession with Sasuke being brought into it. That boy would never give her the time of day, she wasn't sure why her friend bothered pining after him. 'Then again, I don't have much room to talk. At least the one I like is just a dense idiot.'
After several minutes checking room numbers–another few after turning the corner–they finally came across room 115. Shikako eagerly gripped the door handle and slid the door open. She was met with a sight that made her cheeks flood with heat. Though, she also felt confusion.
Naruto sat on one of two beds in the room, his shirt off. Muscles like carved granite rippled beneath peach skin; they'd gotten even bigger than since she'd last seen them. Thankfully, her friend had his pants on.
What confused her was the occupant of the second bed. Sasuke sat on the bed, thankfully with his shirt on–she didn't need to hear Ino gushing over him. Normally if Naruto and Sasuke were in the same room, they'd bicker like cats and dogs. But they were smiling, and Naruto was currently teasing Sasuke, with Sasuke smiling back. Since when could Sasuke smile?
"Ha, you shoulda seen how you jumped from that needle! How can you be so tough in battle, but a little needle scares you!" Naruto laughed.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes, but he was still smiling. "Oh, shut up idiot." His words lacked the usual heat.
"Man, you two need to work on your awareness. Didn't even notice we had an audience. Sounds like you need a refresher, brat."
Shikako jumped, and turned towards the corner where she noticed a scandalously clad kunoichi. Her purple hair was in its signature ponytail, though slightly messier than usual. She'd met Anko many times over the years, crossing her path when she was with Naruto.
Naruto turned in surprise, finally noticing her. A wide smile broke out on his face. "Shikako, you're here. Awesome!"
"Well, I heard you were in the hospital, so I decided to stop by." She said nonchalantly. There was no need for him to know how much of a hurry she'd been in.
She was distracted when Anko crossed the room and cuffed Sasuke lightly across the back of the head. "Come on Uchiha, let's give the two some time to talk. Besides, the doctor already said you're free to go."
Sasuke scowled at Anko lightly, but nonetheless bid Naruto goodbye and left with Anko. Shikako heard Ino excitedly greeting Sasuke before the door slid shut behind her.
Shikako stood awkwardly for several moments, unsure how to proceed. She wanted to express how glad she was Naruto was safe, but that just wasn't in her nature. In the end she stuffed her hands in her pockets and groaned.
"Jeez, you got a funny definition of staying safe. What's this I hear about you getting captured? Couldn't you go one mission outside the village without getting in trouble?"
Naruto chuckled sheepishly. "Well, there was a former swordsman of the mist involved. He captured Sasuke and I and we went to this prison that pitted shinobi against each other. But hey, we managed to escape, so now harm no foul."
Shikako sighed and slapped a palm to her face. Of course, she couldn't expect him to be apologetic. "Well, I'll leave you to get settled in, besides, I need to get home and wash off from training." She turned around and offered one last wave. "See you around soon."
With that, she slid open the door and departed. As she walked down the hall, she shook her head fondly. 'Leave it to Naruto to get thrown in prison and treat it like a minor hassle.'
She smiled fondly. To think, she'd bothered worrying about him.
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Naruto shifted uncomfortably, under the stern and visibly angry gaze of his grandfather. His teammates stood next to him, for once even Sasuke seemed to look contrite, a first for him. Kakashi was the only one who managed to remain aloof, though having his mask back on certainly helped.
The Hokage sat at his desk wearing the white and red robes of office, his four-pointed hat pulled down low to cast his face in shadow, though his eyes shone through.
Hiruzen took a long, slow drag of his pipe, exhaling a cloud of acrid smoke. For once Naruto didn't have the courage to complain or chastise him. He'd only seen him this angry a few times.
"Let me see if I understand your report right, Kakashi. Despite knowing the potential political ramifications of your actions, you decided to attack the mansion of a foreign noble, knowing it went directly against my orders?"
"Sounds about right, but given who it was, I figured you wouldn't mind." Kakashi offered a nonchalant shrug along with his words.
A vein pulsed on the Hokage's forehead, though his eyes were drawn to Naruto and softened just slightly, before hardening seconds later. He turned his angry gaze back to Kakashi, Naruto breathed a sigh of relief.
"I am not complaining about the results of your actions, merely that you didn't request permission. Still, at least you had the good sense to disguise yourself." The elderly Kage eyed Sakura's chin-length hair, still showing traces of the brown at the roots. Naruto's relief didn't last long. Grandpa snapped his gaze at him. "And you, Naruto, don't think I forgot about your slip-up. While ultimately the blame falls on your sensei for lack of preparations, you are a sensor! I've taught you to never take that skill for granted. You should be using it even in the midst of battle, perhaps especially so."
He simply nodded in acceptance of the critique, his face flushing slightly.
Hiruzen's eyes softened as he finally gave them a wry grin. "That being said, all's well that ends well. The mission was a success, there is no hint our presence was detected, and you even managed to capture three of the Seven Swords of the Mist All in all, a successful mission despite the issues."
After the fighting had ended, they'd gathered up the blades of the fallen Mist shinobi, before making a hasty retreat with Haku. The group had gone straight for the border–they didn't take a break until well past midnight when they crossed into the Land of Fire. Only then had they taken time to treat their wounds and rest. Thankfully, afterwards it had been a much more restful trip.
Sakura spoke up timidly, asking a question that was on Naruto's mind. "If I may, Lord Hokage, what will become of the swords? Are we keeping them, or returning them?"
"An excellent question Sakura. Your friend Haku–" He paused, and nodded at Naruto and Sasuke, "–will be returning to his village in a few days with an escort. I intend to send a representative to open negotiations for their return. Hopefully, this will be an opportunity to formalize the unofficial alliance the Mist and Leaf have had since the Civil War."
"That's good ta' hear." Naruto smiled. He would have felt a bit bad if they had decided to keep the swords as interesting as they were.
"Now, if that is all, I have some important paperwork to finish, so unfortunately, I must say goodbye. I'll see you at dinner, Naruto."
Naruto nodded happily. They departed the Hokage's office, sliding the wooden door shut behind them. As they walked down the spiral staircase, Naruto noticed a contemplative look on Sakura's face. At the bottom, he nudged her with an elbow.
"Ryo for your thoughts?"
Sakura frowned as they pushed their way out into the courtyard, walking towards the awninged wall that surrounded the Hokage Office.
"I was just thinking about my performance during the mission. My genjutsu shattered too easy, I need to really improve if that's going to be my main weapon." She explained her troubles.
Naruto hummed thoughtfully. "True. Suppose I could let you practice on my Shadow Clones, it'll let us both get some practice. Though you shouldn't neglect physical training. Genjutsu won't always work."
"I agree with Naruto, though, if you like, I can ask a friend to give you some tips. She's one of the other jonin-sensei, I'm sure there's some help I can offer to one of her students in exchange." Kakashi supplied helpfully.
Sakura gasped excitedly. "Do you mean Kurenai-Sensei? When I was researching at the library, the kunoichi on guard there said she was the best in the village!"
"The very same." Kakashi answered with an eye-smile.
After walking together for a bit, and chatting, Team 7 went their separate ways for the time being. But not before Kakashi informed them that they'd have a few days off before they'd be doing anything, to decompress from the ordeal. Naruto felt the slightest bit annoyed. He was eager to get back to training. The experience in the prison made him feel something he hadn't in quite some time. Weak. He wasn't a fan. Still, the others, especially Sakura, might need that time.
'Oh well, nothing says I can't train on my own.' He accepted the circumstances with a shrug and continued the trek back to the Hokage's Residence.
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On the third day of their break, Naruto found himself at the village's main gates–alongside his teammates–as they bid goodbye to Haku. The effeminate boy was almost fully healed, and looking in very good spirits, wearing a floral-patterned pink kimono top and hakama pants with wooden sandals. Only the bandages beneath his kimono hinted at his injuries.
Surrounding the mist shinobi were several Leaf Jonin, all of whom seemed hardened and ready. There was another there, that slightly surprised Naruto.
Shikako's dad, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. Like taking a nap. Shikaku Nara bore a striking resemblance to his daughter. Though she had her mother's face, her hair was a shade darker like Shikaku's, and bound in the same spiky ponytail. They also slouched the exact same way. That was where the similarities ended. Shikaku had a nasty scar across his face and wore a neatly trimmed goatee on his chin. His vest was darker than the average jonin, marking him as an elite jonin.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me Naruto!" Haku said sincerely, bowing his head slightly. "Not only did you save me, but you've also helped my village retrieve three of our five lost swords. I can't ever repay you."
Naruto blushed in embarrassment. He waved off Haku's profuse thanks. "No big deal, I'd have been a real jackass if I left you there with all the help you gave us. Tell ya what, just promise we're gonna stay friends. Sound like a deal?"
He offered his hand to Haku, who gladly took it.
"I agree with what the idiot said, we owed you." Sasuke supplied with his typical cool manner.
Sakura smiled and added her opinion. "Me as well, I agree! I haven't known you for long Haku, but I enjoyed talking with you about healing herbs and toxins on our way here."
Haku beamed at them, tears shimmering in his eyes. "Thank you, you three. I believe we'll be friends for a long time. Besides, I'll be seeing you soon enough."
"Huh, you coming back for the peace talks or something?" Naruto asked quizzically.
The mist genin looked a little nonplussed. "Do you … not know about the upcoming Chunin Exams? They're being held here, after all, I'd think you should be aware of it by now, you're strong enough to compete."
As one, the three genin members of Team 7 turned to stare daggers at their sensei. Kakashi blinked nonchalantly. "Something on my face?"
"No, you idiot, why didn't you tell us about the exams!" Sakura shouted indignantly.
"Oh, that." Kakashi hummed thoughtfully. "I was meaning to tell you after the mission, hadn't quite gotten around to it." He shrugged nonchalantly.
Naruto grit his teeth. Sometimes, that cool personality really drove him crazy! He shook his head. No way was he going to let his annoyance with Kakashi spoil Haku's goodbye. A loud throat clearing drew everyone's attention to the waiting Jonin.
Shikaku looked none too pleased at the delay. "We need to get going, so finish up if you could." He told Haku.
Haku nodded, bowing his head politely. "My apologies, I'll give my final goodbye's at once." He then turned to them and offered a last smile. "Goodbye, everyone, I'll see you in a month and a half."
"See ya then!" Naruto told him.
"… Goodbye." Said Sasuke.
"We'll see you soon!" Sakura told him cheerfully.
"… Bye." Kakashi was succinct and cool as usual.
Together, they watched as the group of eight shinobi turned and dashed into the distance. Only after they were completely out of sight, did they turn away.
"Man, I can't wait to see Haku again! And the Chunin Exams! I wanna do a bunch of extra training. Whaddya say Kakashi, can we get some harder training?" Naruto asked his sensei hopefully. He fully expected to be rebuffed as usual. To his surprise, Kakashi shrugged.
"I was planning to do that anyway. This last mission made it clear I've been too lax. From now on, you get your wish, Naruto, Sasuke. Your training will be much, much harsher." Kakashi regarded them with a sinister gaze. "Hope you don't regret it." He said ominously.
"Ha, as if, I love hard training!" Naruto crowed joyfully. He stiffened, as he felt a familiar chakra appear behind him, and an even more familiar pair of breasts press into the back of his neck.
He tilted his head back apprehensively and found himself staring into the amused brown eyes of his tutor, a manic smile on her face. "Good to hear brat, cause I plan to drop in a few days a week to make sure you don't get lazy. After seeing your sorry ass get captured, can't take any chances with my student getting killed and embarrassing me."
Naruto gulped. He had to pull teeth to get hard training from Kakashi. Anko did hard training as the baseline. He shuttered to think what she considered difficult. One word summoned up his feelings.
"Damn."
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Hey everyone, hope you're having a good day. This is the final chapter in this arc. And also the final update on this story for a little while. In the meantime, I have a couple different stories I'm beginning that will be taking it's update spot. Namely, a Naruto/Bleach story and a One Piece story.
Chapter 2 of the Bleach story and Chapter 1 of the One Piece story are up now. I'll also be putting out a few chapters of The God of Wind on my pa treon.
As always I want to thank my patrons for supporting my work.
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RinneTaicho, Signing Off!
