archiveofourown org /works/45730315/chapters/119466646#workskin
Chapter 8: Naruto: Tests and Trials
Summary:
Age 16, Academy Graduation.
Notes:
Holy
Shit
Alright, sorry about how long this chapter has taken. I've been having a lot of things going wrong in my life lately. Problems at work (that actually just got resolved today so cheers there), 2 dead family members, and just being sad... anyway there's your reasons for delay.
A special thanks to my Beta, who will also now be posting this story to his page due to the fact that I hate how that website is set up.
Chapter Text
Never realized quite how satisfying putting a person with years more training than me on their ass. The teacher was sprawled on the ground, his face pushed into the dirt as I pushed his arm farther up his back in an effort to make him yield. The sound of something cracking finally made him yield, but I found myself still pinn-
"Naruto, stop wasting time." I was helping him up before I fully realized it. Brushing the dirt off best I could as he grumbles. I head over to sit down in the dirt beside Sakura. Sasuke is crouched on a nearby pole that I can hear straining ever so slightly under his weight when he shifts.
We had claimed the title of team 7 almost a year and a half ago, more than 6 months before everyone else got their teams. Going on D-rank missions whilst being escorted by Chunin and we kept our slots in Class 1 with no problems. Sasuke made Shinobi valedictorian, and Sakura had Claimed Kunoichi valedictorian. I could hear the whispers that I'm behind both of them, and frankly I can't bring myself to give a damn about what they say.
"Well, I don't really think it needs saying but the three of you graduate with full marks. The Ceremony will be in 3 hours, congratulations." I climb to my feet as I hear Sasuke land next to us and Sakura stretches as she moves away from the wall. Sasuke's lazy drawl can be heard as we're heading for the door.
"We'll be back in time then." We didn't really bother listening to him stumbling over his words about how we're supposed to stay on Academy grounds. The village streets are packed with the yearly graduation festival that the civilian's throw for their kids. 2 days of food and street games to celebrate the next class of ninjas meant to protect them. I took the multitude of chances to get a 5 finger discount on a variety of bits and bobs. Fried calamari, octopus balls, and some kind of sweet chewy bread. That last one I went back and actually bought a whole loaf because it was great.
Settling into the Ichiraku stall I tasted the air, nodding a bit as I called out a greeting to Ayame. Her dad must be out because she's made the broth today, and she never uses the one set of peppers he does.
"Hey you three, how'd your graduation test go?" Sasuke scoffs, and I can also heat a grunt probably as Sakura pushes him.
"Don't mind him, it went great. We're officially Ninja's of the hidden leaf." Ayame laughs a bit as I hear the clink of porcelain on wood, a bowl being set in front of me. I don't hesitate to dig into the rich broth, noodles, and meat. I've noticed over the years that I like my meat as rare as possible, one of the Medic Nin's explained it as a part of my bloodline Limit and how I need a ton of proteins for my regeneration. Two more clinks and Sakura and Sasuke start eating as well, with the ramen stand being covered in a comfortable silence. The creak of another stool and Sasuke's poorly concealed anger to break it.
"Nara, what do you want?" Nara Shikamaru, the lazy and shifty guy. Frankly I'm surprised he's even willing to sit down in here, he's been scared shitless of me ever since I knocked out his buddy Akamichi's teeth during a spar.
"Merely came to offer congratulations to the trio who got the famous slot of team 7." I can hear his teeth grinding, he must've wanted it.
"That's great, and thank you Nara-San. Please leave us to enjoy our celebratory meal in peace." Sakura's playing peacekeeper again before one of us kicks the shit out of him. Before more posturing and fake politeness can go on a pair of footsteps come into the now crowded stall. A hand slamming down onto the counter almost knocking over my food.
"Ichiruka-Chan, how good to see you." I do a half turn, tucking myself further into my food with one hand as the other snags a Kunai from my belt.
"Kero-San, both I and my father have told you to leave us be or we'll contact the Shinobi police." I taste the air once more, this guy is drunk as can be and his companion is no better.
"Come on, if you'd just pay up I can get them off yer-" Ayame slams whatever she's holding down, and I can hear the scrap of metal on metal. She's likely holding up an old Kunai or a spatula now.
"I don't care, now leave." He gives an angry growl and tries to lunge over the counter at her. I grab him by the nape of the neck when he's off balance and slam his face into the counter once, twice, four times before I hear his nose break and let him go. He tumbles to the ground spraying blood and yelling. His partner stumbles back giving a shout of shock. Sakura is up before I can do it and sweeps his legs so he can't escape. Sasuke just gives a sigh as he stands up.
"Suppose I'll be the one to get the police then." I give a snort, picking up the bowl with both hands and draining the last of my broth and noodles. I can hear a second bowl get put down in front of me.
"On the house, and thanks." I grin, setting the dirty bowl to the side as I dig into the fresh one. The Ninja Police arrive soon, dragging the two of them into custody and charged with trespassing, harassment of both a business and personal civilians, and of course of being part of a racketeering group for a local criminal organization. I paid no mind to the glare that Kero threw my way as he was dragged off, a broken nose oozing blood and possibly a bit of brain matter.
Heading back up to the Academy it looks like most if not all the graduation tests are done. I can hear Sasuke muttering to himself as we take our usual seats and decide to tune in.
"Counting us, that makes a total of 83 squads that are joining Konoha's ranks. 19 drop out students which serves a new record low and 4 apprenticeships." I'd ask how he keeps track of that but knowing him he likely has a notebook dedicated to it. Heavy footsteps thud onto the stage in front of us, as a woman clears her throat.
"Good evening and congratulations to all of you, you've all passed your Academy tests and have been nominated to Genin." There's a cheer through the crowd, a lot of 16 and 17 year olds just got permission to drink. "Your work is far from over though. Today you will be meeting with your Jonin, or Tokubetsu-Jonin, Sensei who will guide you through your first few years as a Genin. Giving you specialized training, as well as leading you on missions starting at C-rank and possibly higher. I wish you all the best of luck, and when your team number is called, meet your Sensei at the entrance of the hall."
People are tense and waiting to see who they get. Yet I can't bring myself to be worried, we'll get who we get. My fingers tap playfully on the guard and handle of my katana, the second one Sensei gave me. I only have 11 now, that fight with Mizuki destroyed one turning it into little more than scrap metal. Unfortunately the katanas made here in Konoha just don't feel like how I need them, made more for being lightweight and fast than strong and heavy enough to parry like mine. Ordering from the Land of Iron isn't really an option either, not only would it take months to arrive, and be ludicrously expensive, but I wouldn't be able to talk directly to the smith and show him what I wanted.
"Team 10 Akamichi Choji, Shikimaru Nara, and Yamanaka Ino. Your Sensei is Jonin Sarutobi Asuma" hmm, wasn't expecting him to take a team. Unlike his father, the Hokage, he's always been a bit of a cunt. Flaunting around his status not only as the Hokage's son but his position as one of the only surviving members of the 12 ninja guardians meant that he felt entitled to more than his fair share of respect. He and I don't get along to say the least.
"Team 8 Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino. Your Sensei is Yuhi Kurenai." I… don't actually have anything about her. From the rumors I hear she's a bit of a rising rookie star in terms of Jonin status anyway. Supposedly very good with Genjutsu.
"Last but not least, Team 7 Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke." We were standing at our names being called, being at the ready. I couldn't help the grin that split my face when I heard sensei's name. "Your Sensei is Hatake Kakashi." The Copy-Nin himself. I found myself half a step behind Sakura as per usual as we met the man at the entrance hall. A simple hum was the only tone he gave, though I could feel his single eye stay on me for longer than needed.
"My first impression of you 3 is, I'm not impressed. Meet me at training ground 7 within 10 minutes or I'll have you doing laps around the village." I could feel Sakura jerk back in shock, and Sasuke's inhale of breath. The whipping winds of a Body Flicker showing he left as I start at a jog.
"Come on, I know where he is." The two of them had to scramble for a second before they caught up to me as I ran through the streets. It was a bit of a graduation tradition after all to make the Genin find the training ground that they're Sensei was given for the express purpose of his team. I had quite the advantage though, I'd been on Trainng Grounds 7 for years. I first learned to run and throw a punch there. I met my Sensei there, and now I'll meet my second.
We got there in record time, over a minute left to go. Sasuke was panting a bit and Sakura was lagging behind a few steps, likely clutching a stitch in her side. The memorial stone stood in front of us, Hatake-Sensei standing there.
"You're on time, though I expected it from you." I grin, my nose tickled by the familiar scent of ozone and dogs. Sakura finally regains her breath, which isn't a bad recovery time after running from one side of the village to the other.
"I'm Haruno Sakura, this is Uchiha Sasuke, an-" she just kind of trails off as he chuckles.
"Trust me, the last thing you need to do is introduce yourselves. Just about every Jonin knows you three." I nod my head, my hand fiddling with the guard of my katana. I'm waiting for it, knowing how he trains. Sasuke takes a step forward, putting the three of us in a rough line.
CLANG
3 Kunai, 2 senbon, and a handful of shuriken are knocked off course as I perform a diagonal draw strike. Taking a step in front of Sakura while doing so to take the extra Kunai to my shoulder rather than her chest. A shout of surprise from her, Sasuke had drawn his Kunai and is backing off making for the tree line.
I'm moving forward trying for a shoulder check into a horizontal cut, not actually worried about any kind of permanent damage to him. We're a whole world below a ready Chunin much less a full Jonin. He moves with the shoulder check using the momentum from it to dodge for free, Sakura having the time to recover from the shock of the situation as she tries to circle around behind Hatake-Sensei. I aim high, trying to take slashes at his arms and torso while she's throwing kicks and punches at his knees and legs. The occasional Kunai or small burst of fire comes sailing from the trees while he's blocking us trying to catch him off guard
"Good, team oriented attacks and using my extended blind spots. Now to test defense."
Shit. Fuck.
A horizontal slash at his chest resulted in him grabbing the back of the blade and using it to swing me around into her. I can feel her arms wrap themselves around my torso as we spin and crash into the dirt going sprawling. My katana goes flying from my grip clattering against tree roots and stones.
I can hear Sasuke's feet pounding against tree limbs and dirt as he closes in on Hatake-Sensei, metal on metal ringing as he deflects Kunai and doges Jutsu as Sasuke tries to buy time with a desperate fervor.
I'm up before her, still rattled as she landed partly on top of me but the Kunai got knocked loose. My skin already steaming as it heals the bruises and cuts. I'm dashing forward scrabbling a bit as I grab my katana, Sakura scrambling up to be on my heels as we form a basic triangle around Hatake-Sensei.
I move first, doing a simple horizontal and diagonal combo of slashes more to get him to back up than to try and hit him. Sasuke follows up, swinging either his fists or Kunai in a dual wielding style as befitting of the Uchiha clan martial arts. Sasuke is tired already, having flung most of his Kunai and a wide variety of fire Jutsu already his chakra reserves are dwindling fast. Sakura is moving slow as well, her follow up was behind what it usually is as she missed Hatake-Sensei's ankle by inches. It's possible that the tumble was worse than I realized.
I can practically taste Hatake-Sensei turn on a dime, using a deflection he did on one of Sasuke's attacks to turn and try to deliver a snap kick to Sakura. I made a snap second decision that I only regretted a little. The feeling of my body being compressed down to the size of a gnat and then back to my own short stature. Hatake-Sensei's kick struck me in the chest instead of Sakura's stomach, I can hear the snapping of rib bones and feel him try to soften the blow as he realizes what happened. Sakura gives a scream but I can't make out the words, my body hot and heavy as I go flying and rolling in the dirt.
Blood.
It's in my mouth, my nose, my ears, even my eyes as I cry tears of blood in pain. This is the worst I'd ever been hurt, and I can feel the broken bones shifting around inside of me as they slowly pull themselves back together but by bit. A hand is holding up my head allowing me to breathe a bit better, soft soothing words spoken but I can't hear it over the rush of blood and the laughter. The same laughing I hear every night when I lay my head down.
I'm not sure how long I laid there, before it felt like I could move again. My face was sticky with blood and wet with tears that were not my own.
"Whose.. crying?" I could hear a small choking sound, the rushing sound finally beginning to fade as I'm gripped around the neck even tighter in a hug.
"Be careful Haruno, he's still knitting together." I can almost feel the heat off her glare, and can hear Hatake-Sensei's foot crunch in the dirt as he takes a bit of a step back from her glare. "Well, the three of you have more than exceeded my expectations. Tomorrow morning we'll meet at… 10 AM. More than enough time for Uzumaki to finish pulling himself together."
I could feel two people pulling me up now, and settling my arms across their shoulders as I stumble and try to walk them but I'm mostly being dragged. It feels like my body is made of some kind of jelly that's being held inside of a bag that's being shaken around. Sasuke's gruff voice can be heard in a whisper into my ear, it sends an odd shiver up my spine.
"That was stupid, and you know it." I glare at him, trying to free myself from their grip but it doesn't work for obvious reasons as I give myself vertigo.
"Stupid er not, it's what I did. She'd have been heaving for hours. I'd do the same fer you." He doesn't really seem to quite know how to answer. He doesn't really have to, we pause and I can feel myself being lifted onto his back. He stumbled a bit, not quite expecting my weight. My arms subconsciously wrapping gently around his neck to support myself as he holds my legs. My face tucked into the crook of his shoulder breathing in a scent I already know by heart. The smolder of ash and old paper.
I find myself fading in and out of consciousness, not really realizing that we've made it back to the house. I'm in the bed I eventually got after Sasuke finally broke and hired a contractor to get the animals, mold, and everything else out of his childhood room. I'm still covered in dirt and grime, my body feeling heavy as if my bones were made of steel yet weightless all at the same time.
Forcing myself out of the bed, I begin to stumble out of the room. If I could see I'm sure my vision would be swimming, but instead all I get is vertigo. My lunch feels like it's threatening to abandon me. My trek to the bathroom is tedious, having to support myself against the wall most of the way. I must be more out of it than I thought, either that or I've grown a bit too used to steam on my skin to notice it.
I stumbled over to the toilet, throwing up in it. The taste of blood and bile coating my mouth as I finish rejecting that which my regeneration couldn't reuse. I hear a shout, though it feels like it's at the end of a tunnel as my head rests against the cool porcelain of the toilet. I feel hands crook under my armpits and drag me into the running shower. A rag wiping up my face and shirt, and my shirt being more pulled off than anything else.
"It's a good thing you're blind, or I'd kick the shit out of you right now." Her voice, I had decided that day, had to be that of Kami herself. Always so self assured and calm. The hands that I've known for years, the first person I was ever able to truly call a friend helped me clean myself up. My pants are soaked with water by the time she steps out.
"If you need help just say so, but I'll leave you your dignity there." I nod a bit, the water helping to make me feel alive again.
"Thank you Sakura" she gives a little scoff and I can feel her ruffle the top of my soaked hair.
"Finish up, if you need help just call." I lean against the wall, half standing half propping myself against it as I undress and finish the shower in the water hotter than most would approve of. A bit of blind fumbling as I feel a towel shoved into my hands as well as a pair of shorts. After making sure I wouldn't drip everywhere and getting decent she helped me out to the dining room, putting me in my chair.
"You look like you're about to throw up." I gave a half hearted attempt at a growl in his direction. Sasuke taking the chance to actually throw a barb at me, his voice still as dry as ever.
"I had to regenerate my entire rib cage and part of my lungs." He gives a hum, his fingers tapping against the table nervously. Food is set down in front of me as I can hear Sakura take her seat at the head of the table.
"Hatake-Sensei certainly doesn't waste time or pull punches." Sasuke snorts a bit, his chopsticks sliding along his plate. I found myself afraid that they would hate him for this.
"We got lucky ya know, there are a lot worse teachers to get than the Copy-Cat." Both of them seem to pause at that, the old leather of the chairs creaking a bit as Sasuke leans forward. His low voice seeming to cut under the relaxed mood our dinner had held.
"Copy-Cat? I know a lot of Jonin get nicknames but that one seems a little silly." Sakura hums in agreement. I twirl my chopsticks in my hand a bit, nudging the plate as I find out what we're eating. Someone, probably Sasuke, made a run to Ichiraku's and picked up our favorites. I take a few moments to get a mouthful as I debate on my next words.
"Hatake-Sensei has a very… intense service history. The only reason I know half this stuff is cuz I'm allowed in Jonin bars." The chairs creak again, Sakura leaning in my direction now as Sasuke gets out of his. I can hear a click as the radio turns on, the weather forecast declaring us to be in a dry patch for the next week. Sakura's light voice cut over the background noise.
"When you say intense, what do you mean?" Now it's my turn to shift uncomfortably, I only know rumors and what he's told me.
"Became a Genin at the age of 5… supposedly a freaking genius, and wartime didn't hurt either. Made Chunin within a year of service." She gives a sharp intake of breath, and Sasuke stumbles a bit having tripped over his own two feet probably. "Was on a team led by the Fourth Hokage himself, after a mission went wrong his team… didn't make it. A lot of rumors claim he has a Sharingan." I jolt a bit at the slam onto the table. So much force behind to cause the table to rock and I have to grab my food before it spills. Sasuke's voice is hardly above a hiss.
"How? Is he related to the clan?" After setting my food back down I raise my hands in surrender, I can feel the heat of his glare as it seems to burrow into my chest.
"I dunno alright? People say he wears his headband crooked to cover it." He gives an angry huff, Sakura reaching out and pulling him back down into his chair.
"You, stop trying to rip into him. He said he only knew rumors. Naruto, continue please." I nod a bit, taking another few moments to eat some food while it was still warm. Sasuke's gaze was still locked onto me, but it didn't feel like he was about to stab me with a chopstick anymore.
"He made ANBU captain, and served there until rumors claim he was required to step down and has been serving as a Jonin ever since. I think we're the first team he's taken." Sakura lets out a long, suffering sigh.
"In the morning we'll find out more about him. For now let's turn in. Think you'll be good by tomorrow?" I nod a bit, choosing to stuff my face a bit rather than verbally answer. I'll be sore and stiff but I'll push through it. Dinner was a silent affair after that, the only sound being that of the outside world and the radio which bounces between a few different channels. There is of course the Konoha news which talks about normal village affairs like upcoming festivals, if we have a large trade convoy coming into the village, and of course weather. All of it is run by civilians that are closely monitored by Shinobi to ensure that a secret message isn't released on the air. Following close behind is the Konoha music channel, not much to be said there. The truly interesting one though is the Bingo Book radio.
It's a common misconception that the Bingo Book is made by villages working together and coordinating what threats missing-nin and bandits are and putting prices on their heads. The truth is both much more simple and complicated. The Land of Iron is known for its neutrality and refusal to participate in wars as long as no one fights it first and attacking them proved disastrous throughout history. Within this defensive and neutral zone a group of people from a multitude of nations came together and offer up a tithe to the Land of Iron to protect them as they run the Bingo Book. Small hand held books that get sent to every hidden village once a year that hold all of the known information on just about any missing-nin, high tier target, or government official that someone wants dead.
Every year a representative from the Bingo Book will show up to the hidden village and accept payments for either people that the village want put into the Bingo Books, as well as marking down the bounty we're willing to put down in said target, or how much we're willing to pay to have certain details omitted from the books. Over the years I'd be paying quite a bit to actually have them play up me being blind, while Bingo Books are important and useful only a fool swears by one.
Morning came slowly, I didn't actually remember going to bed. Nothing more than a few bleary thoughts after I had finished my food. My body felt like a bowstring pulled much too taught, and I began to go through a series of stretches to force myself to limber up. A good 15 minutes of those and a hot shower later made me feel like myself again.
My mental clock told me it was after 7, probably closer to 8. A quick perusal through the pantry and ice-box as I set out 4 bento boxes and began to whip up lunch. A simple thing of rice balls with a serving of steamed fish and flat bread. By the time I finished them I could hear Sakura stirring and Sasuke was at least partially through his morning ritual. Start the brew, and maybe pancakes this morning.
Once more through the ice-box and pantry and I flicked on the music channel letting the gentle notes fill the kitchen. The sizzling of the pan from pancakes and bits of bacon began to waft throughout the house. A cup of coffee, 1 and a half the size it should be with 6 sugar and 2 cream sitting on the kitchen table in his spot as I began to set the table. A glass of milk for Sakura as she can't stand coffee, and water for me as I need more water in my system.
Not more than seconds after I have everything in place Sakura throws herself in her chair, Sasuke in a much calmer fashion following suit. Breakfast is silent other than a pair of thanks.
My boots are laced, my pants laden with bits and bobs that I've found to help me over the years. My katana sits proudly on my left hip as my Kunai pouch sits on my right. An earpiece fitting snugly into my inner ear, a graduation present from Teuchi-San apparently was a set of 3 shortwave radio earpieces. My jacket slides on and sits neatly on my shoulders, the metal plates in it shifting in a comforting and familiar way. Last but not least is my symbol of being a Shinobi, as I tie it around my neck. I can feel the cool metal plate against my neck, now offering a measure of protection.
Our walk to the training ground was brief, and we arrived roughly 30 or so minutes early. My nose caught the scent of ozone a moment before I was deflecting both Kunai from my teammates.
"Good reaction time, Uchiha you should've seen me I was standing in the open, Haruno good follow up though you went wide. If you only know the direction of your opponent, throw a fan of Kunai or throwing stars. I'll show you how." I slide my blade back to it's sheathe. Letting a breath go, I try to force myself to untense again.
"Now then, for the three of you. While we are training or on a mission you are to refer to me as Taicho. Uchiha, name who will be in command of this squad when I'm unavailable." Sasuke hisses a bit, clearly unnerved at the way Taicho called upon him so sharply.
"I would like to name myself… but it should go to Haruno." Taicho gives a hum, and I can hear Sakura mumbling to herself.
"Uzumaki, name who will be in command of this squad when I'm unavailable." I give a grin, as I glance to where she's standing.
"Sakura should be team leader." Taicho chuckles, the grass crunching underfoot as he walks.
"Good, glad to see we've worked that out ahead of time. We have two options here. 1 I can train the three of you into the ground, or 2 we can take a C rank mission and I can see how you three handle themselves." The silent conversation between us didn't go long as I can hear Sakura step forward to give her answer.
"We'd like to take a C rank mission, Taicho." Another chuckle, before suddenly we're walking after him.
"I think I'm going to rather enjoy teaching the 3 of you. Let's go get your mission." We took to the rooftops, leaping between them with ease and grace only known to Shinobi. The normal formation for a cell is an arrowhead formation with the Jonin Sensei ahead of the three students. I obviously can't tell where trees or buildings are so I won't know where to jump, I can follow scents better than an Inuzuka though. Every step and jump that Sakura makes I match, her boot print became my boot print. Sasuke branched off to the side a bit, more or less floating around the two of us as he took whatever position felt best.
I could feel Taicho looking over us as we came to the Hokage's Tower, walking in first to the building and right up a set of stairs to ignore the first floor. Nothing more than where civilians go to name complaints or put in for D rank missions. The second floor, much like the third and fourth, is a mess of people and papers. All shouting at one another about different pieces of information at their disposal that have to match the other information. Stepping into the mission room it's like a wall of silent air is between here and the rest of the chaos of the floor. I can hear Sakura give a small gasp, and Sasuke give a whistle. Taicho's voice cuts right through the silent atmosphere.
"Impressive isn't it? All of these are just the D, C, and B ranks that the village has. A and S are kept by the Hokage." I shrug a bit, not having much of a concept of how many scrolls are in the room with us. I found myself zoning out while we got a mission from the desk, a horrible habit I know. It can be hard to pay attention to all the little details, especially when I can hear the sloshing of a bottle on the other side of a door.
That door opened soon enough allowing our customer in question, a bridge builder by the name of Tazuna, to enter the room. His steps uneven, and his words slurred as he hurled some rather mild insults about being protected by kids. Yet my nose doesn't lie, a single sniff of the air tells me he's sober. His breath was not carrying the scent of sake and the bottle, while partially empty and being brought to his mouth on occasion, was sealed.
Before I could really wrap my head around that we were leaving the village. Lunch was had, the packed Bento boxes eaten by the 4 of us, and we were given a week's rations as standard. Small iron tins that fit into the palm of my hand, two cans a day for cold meals that have every nutrient we could need.
A quick rush back to the house to load up on changes of clothes and grab extra Kunai and Shuriken. Taicho made it clear that our packs weren't to weigh more than 25 Kilograms a piece. I grabbed another 2 Kunai pouches and attached them to my belt. I debated on bringing a second katana before deciding against it. My backpack getting crammed with changes of clothes, a mini cast iron skillet, and just the rest of my weight being dedicated to more Kunai.
Meeting up with Taicho and Tazuna-San at the west gate we set off at a civilian pace. The estimate was roughly a week and a half to get to the Land of Wave, about a month for construction to be complete and then we'd be free to go back to Konoha with our payment in tow. All in all it was a rather simple and concise job to protect Tazuna from the bandit problems that had been plaguing his construction work.
Yet setting that to the side something felt very off about him. A very simple man who pretended to be drunk, and moved with a definite purpose.
Travel was agonizingly slow, Taicho taking the lead by several feet with Tazuna walking in-between the three of us as we moved in a reverse triangle with me bringing up the rear. A whole week of sweltering heat as we hit the dead of summer, and I was likely going to miss the summer solstice festival, plus a big dry patch so we didn't even have clouds to help us out.
Wave was an island meaning we wouldn't cross the border until we hit the water. The day before we arrived at the docks that Tazuna had set up for transportation is when all of my suspicions started to add up. The road got tight enough that we all had to scrunch together as we traveled through a thick patch of forest and the sound of metal on leather caught my ear. I gave a shout of warning as the bandits came dashing out.
I couldn't move to the front of the group as I had much more pressing concerns. Two sets of rapid footsteps came up behind me, I pirouette and do a horizontal draw strike forcing their clawed gauntlets to go wide. No words are exchanged as I realize these aren't bandits, I can feel killing intent.
We stand even, me in a defensive stance, my blade ready as they shuffle back and forth. They know I can afford to wait, the sounds of Sakura and Sasuke fighting can be heard. Taicho likely hasn't realized what's going on with me yet, or he has and is seeing how I handled it.
The rattle of chains and a clicking sound, before one of them is trying to move around me whilst the other takes swipes at me. I dance to the side, metal on metal ringing as I block loosely more so trying to avoid getting wrapped in their spike chain. It catches my leg wrapping tightly above the knee but I don't really give a shit as I pull it out shredding my pants and boots just a touch.
I'm in a one hand stand as I had to jump to get out of the chain, and use the now partially shredded boot to kick the one that wrapped me in the chain in the face. I can feel some kind of rebreather break under the force of the kick and he's gagging. I roll forward pushing my advantage as they're connected together to begin working on the second one. His gauntlet doesn't have full range of movement and my blade finds purchase in his shoulder, a twist makes it so I pop it out of socket and he gives a cry of pain.
The other one is up faster than I realized, bladed gauntlet aiming for the back of my head. I move before I think of the consequences, stomping on his sandaled feet giving more forward momentum as my hands abandon the katana in his companion as I drive the gauntlet into the already wounded man's throat.
Blood.
Blood everywhere as it sprays across my face, my torso, my sword. He's clawing desperately for life, his hands trying to staunch the bleeding in his neck as his companion pulls his gauntlet free.
"My brother! I'll kill you!" I don't remember falling to the ground, but his voice is gut wrenching. Sounding on the verge of tears as we can hear his brother choking to death on his own blood on the ground a few feet away from us. The metal click of the chain as it detaches from the gauntlet, about to be brought down on my head.
It never came, my arms over my face to try and mitigate damage.
"I'm sorry about that, Uzumaki. I hadn't realized you had Shinobi back here." Taicho, the man likely had the enemy in a head lock or something. All I could hear was laughter, as I felt myself start to hyperventilate.
.
.
.
"G̶͈̦̬̥̲͗̄̀̒̾̋̉͑͌̓̃̈́̌̈́͊̀̃́͌̔̈͘͜ớ̸̧̛͍̹̪͕̪̩̮̘̝̖͓̬̥͒̌̀̌̃͊̌̓̈́̀̍̈́̔̾̃͐͊͊̐̄̕̚͝͝o̷̢̦̻̺͑̑͗̉̃͐̂d̴̦̻̫̞̠̳̫̺̖̜̼̤̬͙͍͓̩̽́̈́̌̕"
