Kai triple checked her pack, trying to push down her anxiety with her sleeping bag. This was going to be her first time outside of the Land of Fire. Outside of Konohagakure. Outside of everything that she knew. This was a big step.
She just wished her father felt the same.
Tadashi sat in front of the TV, surrounded by a mess of TV dinner boxes and their empty trays, like he always did. The sound of the news network or reruns of old cartoons would drown out any other noise in their small house.
"Leaving?"
No matter how loud the TV was, he was always hear the door open.
Kai silently sighed. "Yeah. My team has that escort mission, remember? You read the memorandum yourself, dad."
His eyes never left that damn screen. "You should stay here, where it's safe. Where I can protect you."
"Protect me from what, dad?" Kai blocked her father's sight, and the light created a shadow over him. "That's all you've ever said, but you never tell me anything! What are you trying to protect me from?!"
This wasn't the first time Kai yelled at her father for his incisive inclusiveness and overprotective need on her. She had dealt with it all her life. Growing up, she believed in her father and that he was doing what was best for her. But after finally convincing him to let her enroll in the Academy, Kai's perspective changed on it.
Katara made Kai realize that it wasn't normal to be sheltered like that, unhealthy for a child's social development. Go figure that a young Yamanaka would point out something about mental health their young age.
So, Kai made it her mission to be friends with everyone, no matter who it was. And she was friends with so many people. It felt so good, and it felt right. Kai finally felt good about herself.
Why does dad never want me to leave?
"I'm protecting you from the real world. Outside these walls are horrible people that will use you and toss you aside without a second thought. You could be captured. Or killed. Or both."
"Naruto sensei would never allow that!"
Tadashi scoffed. The great Naruto Namikaze. "Don't put your faith in him, Kai. He's nothing like what everyone says. He's just like the rest of them. He'll use you and toss you aside."
Kai shook his head. "You don't even know what you're saying anymore, dad. All you do is watch this stupid TV. You should try the real world sometime. It looks a lot better than on a screen."
Kai grabbed her pack, heading for the door. She could finally see the exit. The exit from this life. And the entrance into her new life. As a shinobi. As a member of Team Thirteen.
I'm coming guys!
-Hours later-
Team Thirteen were already miles and miles away from Konohagakure by their quick lunch break came around. And traveling along the main highway system through the land, there were many small roadside shops to stop at for a quick meal.
"Man, who knew that the Land of Fire was so beautiful!" Kai exclaimed, sitting on a bench with her tray of food. "It's so green!"
"Is the entire nation covered in forests like this?" Katsuro wondered, sitting next to her.
"Not entirely." Naruto stated. "While its main hunk is covered by dense vegetation, there's lots of land that are like plains without a tree for miles. But those parts are closer to the borders of the neighboring nations." He slurped up a large bundle of noodles. "And I agree with you, Kai. The Land of Fire is beautiful."
"Out of all the lands you've been to, sensei, which one would you rate the most beautiful?" Konohamaru asked.
"Hm. That's a tough thing to answer. Every nation has their own appeal, I think."
"I agree with you, sensei. I believe every nation has their own beauty. That's why I wanna see them all!"
Naruto smiled at Katsuro's enthusiasm and passion to travel the world. He didn't show excitement for much else. "I hope you do, Katsuro."
The team continued to eat their meals, watching the passing travelers. While most were tradesmen or simple people, an occasional Shinobi passed through.
"Say, Naruto sensei?"
"Hm? What's up, Konohamaru?"
"Why'd we get hired for this mission? Doesn't the Land of Snow have their own shinobi escort Princess Koyuki back home?"
"That's a good question, Konohamaru. No, they don't. Not every nation has the funds to sustain a consistent shinobi force." Naruto stated. "The five Great Villages are the only villages in the world that have a constant Shinobi force because they have the funding and people for it. And a battle is always around the corner. In the Land of Snow's case, the nation is hardly poor. But they are isolated. It really doesn't make sense for them to keep a constant force around like that when the threat of a large-scale invasion isn't likely. It's cold and in the middle of the ocean. Tell me, what's the strategic advantage to that?"
"There isn't." Kai answered.
"Exactly. Besides, keeping a full-time Shinobi force like that is expensive. The Kazahana family is rich, but not rich enough to sustain something like that. They keep some bodyguards and have a response force that can be called in for emergencies only but that's about it. They don't need much in terms of military."
"So, they outsource their military through the Great Villages?" Katsuro questioned. "Is that how we get assigned missions?"
Naruto nodded. "Yup. It's the cheaper option for most villages. Most small-scale villages do that. When there's a job that needs a Shinobi, a village puts in a request for a mission. I won't get into the boring process of that. It's a good source of income or trade for Konoha. Besides, it keeps Shinobi busy during times of peace."
"Good source of trade?" Konohamaru asked.
"If a village can't afford a mission, sometimes they offer up a trade. For example, there's a village in the northeastern part of the Land of Fire that mines high value crystals and metals in a nearby cave. In exchange for protection from thieves, Konoha gets a free shipment of the crystals to be sold in shops and metals to be made into weapons. Those crystals stimulate the economy for Konoha. It's one giant cycle."
The Genin were fascinated. This was nothing like learning at the Academy. Naruto was teaching them real world facts. Him teaching about the world would be become a stable for them as a team.
The team finished up their meals and continued their journey towards the Northern Port.
-Northern Port-
The Northern Port was only a half day's travel away. Being the closest port to Konoha that led out to the ocean meant the Northern Port was an essential trading hub to Konoha and Land of Fire as a whole.
Naruto and his Genin team searched the port for their client. They found him and the crew towards the south side.
"Naruto! My goodness, look how much you've grown!" Sandayū greeted Naruto with a very enthused handshake.
"It's great to see you again, Sandayū." Seeing old friends after a long time was such a fulfilling sensation to Naruto. True joy.
"It's hard to believe that it's been ten years since we first met. You were still just a boy. Look you now, a grown man." Sandayū held a deep respect for Naruto after what he did for the Land of Snow. He would forever be in his debt. "Lady Koyuki is very excited to see you again. She's been acting like an out-of-control toddler all week."
Naruto nervously chuckled. "Y-Yeah. I'm excited too."
"And who would these three be? We didn't request a full team?"
"This is my Genin team, Sandayū. On my Hokage's orders, I was instructed to bring them along. Don't worry, you won't be charged extra for them. They're here to learn. They'll stay out of the way."
"Oh heavens, it's no issue. We're glad to have them aboard."
"Introduce yourselves, kids."
"I'm Katsuro Uchiha. Pleasure to meet you."
"My name is Kai Yuki. Thank you for having us."
"Konoha Sarutobi, future Hokage of Konoha, at your service."
Sandayū chuckled. "Future Hokage? Well, I'm glad we have such a Shinobi with us." Naruto appreciated the way Sandayū went along with Konohamaru's grand statement. The boy was just being himself. "Come, come Naruto. Let's head up to the ship and make yourselves comfortable in the cabin. Lady Koyuki is in her room if you'd like to see her."
Katsuro's eyes widened. "We can meet Princess Koyuki?!" He was practically jumping up and down on his heels.
Sandayū chuckled at the boy's excitement. "Of course. She's the one who requested the mission, after all."
Following the Princess's assistant through the docks and up onto the ship, Naruto and Sandayū exchanged some stories from the last ten years. Both felt a sense of nostalgia as they approached Koyuki's room. It mirrored how they were introduced the first time.
Sandayū knocked before pushing the door open slightly. "Lady Koyuki? Are you decent? You have visitors!"
"Yes! Yes! Come in!"
Shoving old memories of that angelic voice screaming his name to the heavens, Naruto followed his team into large and highly decorated room. While the Genin were amazed by the elegant décor, Naruto locked eyes with the beautiful princess in the room.
Koyuki turned with a big, beautiful smile. "Naruto! It's so good to see you!"
Naruto couldn't hold back his smile. It's always good to see you. "It's been a long time, Koyuki." He did his best to stop thinking about the nights they shared, out of respect for Ino, but failed miserably. "You've certainly grown in ten years."
"I could say the same about you, stud." Koyuki smiled at the three Genin. An unexpected surprise "And who are these three? They're cute kids."
"This is my Genin team. Katsuro, Kai, and Konohamaru."
Katsuro was practically drooling; he couldn't stop ogling. "H-Hi…"
Konohamaru wasn't fairing any better. He was staring so blatantly at Koyuki that he was about to start drooling.
Kai rolled her eyes. Boys. She stuck out her hand. "I'm Kai. Nice to meet you, Lady Koyuki."
Impressed, the princess returned the gesture. "I like the respect. Very admirable for someone so young."
"She's a good one, I'll give her that." Kai smiled brightly at her sensei's words. "All three of my students are very excited to be here. And, as you can tell, they are extremely excited." Naruto smacked both the Genin's head to snap them out of their stupor.
"Ow!"
"Watch it, sensei!"
Koyuki loved the effect she had on the opposite sex, young and old. It was always that extra boost of confidence she always loved to have. "I remember a time you used look at me like that. Have I not grown more attractive since we've last seen each other?"
Instead of engaging in the behavior, Naruto chuckled. "Oh, you know I don't need to say anything about that." He needed to be careful. He didn't want to give the wrong impression to his Genin. "It's good to see you, Koyuki." Naruto said with a soft smile.
Koyuki returned the smile. "It's always good to see you, Naruto."
The tension in the room could have been cut with a knife. Not because of the hostility. It was more raw than that. There was obviously something between the two that the Genin picked up on.
Sandayū cleared his throat, breaking that raw tension. "Uh, Naruto, do you mind if I show your students to their rooms? I believe we will be departing soon."
Naruto nodded. "Go on, kids. I'll catch up."
Leading the Genin out of the room and closing the double doors behind them, Sandayū breathed a sigh of relief. No child needed to see any of that. Too young in his mind.
Both Konohamaru and Katsuro knowingly glanced at each other, their minds coming to the same conclusion.
"What?" Kai questioned.
"Nothing." Konohamaru snickered. "Don't worry about it."
"Did I miss something back there?"
"Yeah." Katsuro giggled. "We'll tell you when you're older."
Both boys broke out in a fit of laughter as they followed Sandayū down the hall.
-With Naruto and Koyuki-
"So, not to jump right into business, but what's going on, Koyuki? Why request an escort from Konoha like this when you have your own guard?"
"Can't a lady just want to see an old friend?"
Naruto was not amused. "There's no reason to hold anything back now. My students are gone. Whatever is going on, you can tell me. I mean, that's why I'm here, isn't it?"
Sighing, Koyuki dropped her usual charm. "Fine. You're no fun anymore." She remembered the times when Naruto would do anything to have some time alone like this. "A few months ago, a small group of criminals started running around the Land of Snow, causing quite a bit of havoc. It was nothing major really. Some robberies and the occasional terrorizing of locals. Nothing that our police force couldn't handle. I've been away on my press tour for my new movie, so I trusted my stand in to deal with it."
"I'm assuming they have not."
"They killed her."
"…Ah, fuck. I'm sorry, Koyuki. Were you close?"
The actress shrugged. "A little. I mean, I met with her before I left to make sure she was the right person for the job. Sandayū was the one to recommend her. I trusted his judgement on the matter."
"How did this group get to her? I assume she was staying the in the palace."
Koyuki nodded. "She was, but that's not where they killed her." She opened a drawer on her large vanity and pulled out a folder filled with papers. "Our chief of police sent us these documents." She handed them to Naruto. "There was a festival in the town square and the criminals stormed in and kidnapped her. She wasn't missing long. They found her a few miles away from the ocean."
Naruto skimmed through the pages. "Interesting…in a really messed up way."
"What's that?"
"Her body wasn't mutilated or raped. They didn't torture her or even try to use for some fucked up pleasure. They just slit her throat and left her."
"And that's interesting to you?" Death and all things Shinobi were a foreign concept to her. She couldn't possibly imagine the things that this man has seen.
"Like I said, in a messed-up way." Naruto continued glancing through the papers. "Was this press tour advertised? Did the common people know it was happening?"
She shook her head. "No. I wasn't supposed to have been gone this long. We had a few delays that set us back a few weeks."
"Were you going to make an appearance at this festival? Was that publicized?"
"Yeah? Why?"
Naruto closed the folder with a loud snap. "They were after you, most likely."
Koyuki's breath hitched. "How'd you come up with that?"
"It's just a hunch. I'm going to read these reports a bit more in depth later, but my initial thinking is that these criminals were targeting you. Why would they kidnap your stand in and just dump her body a few miles away? What's that going to accomplish? And secondly, according to the report, the coordination for the kidnapping was perfect. The guards and police had close to zero time to react. By the time they figured out what was happening, it was too late. Those criminals knew right where you were supposed to be. This was planned."
Koyuki sat down on her bed in shock. "I…don't believe this. How could someone do something like this?" Adrenaline pumped wildly through her system, sending her body into overdrive. "I-I never did anything bad to anyone! Why would they want to k-kill me?!"
"Hey, calm down, Koyuki." Naruto placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We don't anything that's going on. We're gonna find out. And, no matter what, I won't let anything happen to you. That's never changed, darlin'."
Sniffling, Koyuki leaned in and rested her head on his shoulder. She needed comfort and Naruto knew that. But it still felt weird. He just hoped Ino would understand if she ever found out about it.
"I'm sorry I withheld this information from you and your village. I just wasn't sure who to trust. I'm so scared."
"It's alright, Koyuki. You were doing what you thought was right. No one can ever fault you for that."
Naruto could wish all day long that things could be different, but that wasn't his mindset. He only looked forward, especially towards a threat.
"I'll send word back home. The Hokage will probably dispatch another team to assist because of the unknown number of enemies. And I'll include these reports as well. Hopefully, there's some intel out there that can help."
Koyuki nodded. Still, she couldn't shake the guilt. "I'm sorry for causing all this trouble. I just didn't know what else to do. You're the only one I fully trust outside of Sandayū."
"It's okay, Koyuki. We'll get to the bottom of this, I promise."
-With Team 13-
"Thank you for showing us to our room, Sandayū. And this one of the nicer rooms I've ever seen!"
Compared to her two teammates, Kai's manners were amazing. Konohamaru and Katsuro were grateful but, by their reactions they were expecting such elegant rooms.
Perhaps she's had a rough childhood. It would explain her well behaved manners.
"It is my pleasure. You are here helping us. It's the least I could do." Sandayū smiled. The boat rocked, as if it was pushing away from shore. "It seems we have departed. I'd better go check with the captain to make sure everything went smoothly. Excuse me."
Sandayū hurried down the hall towards the main deck of the of the large ship. Kai shut the door behind her and realized that Konohamaru and Katsuro were staring at her.
"What?"
"What are you doing?" Konohamaru questioned.
"What do you mean?"
"Why are you in here?" Katsuro asked.
"To relax? And wait for sensei, like you?" She was confused why they were questioning her like this.
"But this is our room. Not yours."
"So?"
"So?!" Konohamaru nearly choked. "You're a girl!"
"And your point? We're teammates first. Sandayū didn't offer me a room so I'm bunking in here too. We can share a room, it's not a big deal. Trust me, I don't wanna change in front of you either. But, it is what it is."
When put like that, the boys didn't have much of an argument to stand on. Teammates became before the stereotype of gender. But that didn't mean the boys were comfortable with it.
Quite the contrary.
"Are you good with this?" Katsuro leaned and whispered to Konohamaru.
"Are you? I've never slept in the same room as a girl before. And there's no room to change in here. How's that gonna work?"
"We'll take turns in the room, dummy. But I see what you mean."
Katsuro sighed, stepping back from his friend's ear. You're right. We're teammates first. We just gotta get over it."
Kai nodded and smiled. "Good." She began to unpack her things.
Outside the door, their Jonin sensei smiled to himself. Obviously listening to the entire interaction, Naruto was pleased to hear that the kids were able to get over such a trivial matter.
Yes, keeping teammates separate when it came to gender was important, especially for young Genin. And it was against regulation to have inter-team relations. But if the mission parameters didn't allow for such commodities, teammates would be forced to stay in the same room. Or even see them naked.
Naruto chuckled. The memories of his time as a Genin surfaced. A particular moment during a hardcore survival exercise when the team had gone without fresh water for days. And they had finally come across a fresh water stream.
All three of them dove right in, soaking their nasty bodies and drinking more than they could handle. Kiba actually puked from drinking too much. They used the stream to refill their water jugs and clean themselves up a bit.
And it was Naruto's first time seeing a girl naked. And Ino made him pay for sneaking a peak.
Pervy Sage got to me more than I thought.
Amused by the memory of the man, Naruto admitted to himself that he missed his godfather greatly.
I hope you're doing well out there, old man.
He decided to brief his students later. For now, he would let them settle and get used the new settings. But he let them get too comfortable. Being the seasoned Jonin that he was, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something bad.
I need to keep on my toes. Gotta be ready for anything.
Naruto looked on over the water, watching the waves slowly disappear into the massive body. The moonlight shined beautifully across the water. Sleeping on a moving ship was something he couldn't do. The constant movement from the waves combined with his closed eyes made for some interesting motion sickness. Even after ten years, seasickness was something he could never get over.
"Not much of a sleeper, are ya?"
"You must be Captain Makino." Naruto greeted the man with a firm handshake. "And no, not really. I can get really bad motion sickness on a boat like this."
"Ah. That's a myth. It's all in your head." Naruto wasn't sure if he was joking or not. "Naruto Namikaze…you're a pretty famous ninja from what I hear. A strong one, too. Is it true you fought that nine tailed monster when you were a little kid?"
"…I wouldn't say I fought it, but yeah sure."
Naruto hadn't thought about that day in a long time. He used to think it was a dream of some kind, like it never happened. But it happened. And the whole world heard about it. It was well known story that was tucked into Naruto's rap sheet.
That story probably had been told one million different ways and over one thousand different times all over the world. There was probably a version of the story that had Naruto sealing the bijū away and not the Third Hokage and his ANBU team. Or that even it was sealed inside an infant. That's just how wild some people would spin a story to get some attention.
But where was that infant? It's been close to thirteen years and there has been no information about another jinchūriki. After that day, that child disappeared. And if his math was right, whoever it was would be about the same age as his students. It quite possibly could be someone that was in their graduating class from the Academy.
It's not one of my students. I would've sensed it.
"Still one hell of a story."
The Jōnin shrugged. "I'm just guy trying to make his way in the world. I'm not that special."
The captain scoffed. "If you say so, kid."
"Kid? Do I look like a kid to you?"
"By my age, kid, everyone younger than thirty was a kid."
Naruto could only chuckle. "Probably gonna retire soon then, eh captain?"
"Only if the sea swallows me and my ship. I've been sailing since I could walk. And I'll die on these waters before I even consider retirement."
Naruto gave a nod of affirmation. "I guess I could say the same. I've never wanted to be anything else. I don't think I could be anything else."
"Some people are fated to be things. It's so deeply ingrained in their DNA that the thought of being something else makes them sick."
Fate was a funny and cruel bitch. Believing in something like fate never brought Naruto any comfort. For a time, that's how he coped with his parent's death. It gave it more substance than it just being a random event. But still, even using fate as a reason, nothing made sense. Two of the world's strongest Shinobi died without a traceable cause.
How could fate do something like that to a seven-year-old boy?
There had to be something more. Something that made sense. That's why Naruto trained, studied, and fought harder than anyone. Fate couldn't be the answer for his parent's death. It just couldn't. And if it was, then he'd make it pay for robbing him.
A cruel bitch indeed.
"…Yeah, I guess."
"Say kid…why'd you take this mission?"
"What? I was assigned it. I really didn't have choice. Why?"
"Well, rumor has it that you and the princess have some history."
By the change in tone, Naruto could tell that he wasn't referring to the events of his mission ten year ago. "…Kinda a personal question, don't ya think?"
Makino shrugged. "By your reaction, I'd say that it was true. It's none of my business, truthfully. I'm just trying to figure out why you are putting yourself and your team in danger."
That gained Naruto's full attention. "What do you mean?"
"Something's weird about all this. I have a feeling you're walking into something."
"A trap?"
"Not sure. Just thought I'd give you a heads up. I just keep getting strange vibes from all this. Me and the crew are leaving as soon as we can. I don't want us getting caught up in anything."
"…I'll keep on my toes."
Makino gave a lazy wave as he stepped off the deck and into his private quarters. Stumped, Naruto could only stare into the water.
What…the hell was that?
-Land of Snow-
The ship docked as a fresh snow fall began to cover the already dense snow that coated the ground. The crew quickly began to unload the massive cargo from the ship. The quicker everything was unloaded, the quicker the crew could get back in the warmth.
"Look at the size of that glacier!"
Konohamaru, Katsuro, and Kai all stepped off the ship and into the frozen tundra their cold weather gear, while their sensei was only covered in a scarf around his neck.
"Aren't you cold, sensei?" Katsuro shivered.
Naruto shrugged. "Eh. I've been in this cold before. It doesn't bother me much the second time around. Besides, being cold is a state of mind. Can't be cold if you don't let yourself be cold."
"…That makes no sense, Naruto sensei." Konohamaru deadpanned.
"It does to me. And it keeps me warm."
In Naruto's mind, a part of being a Jonin sensei was to be somewhat of a legend to your students. Some kind of superhuman, per say. That's how he viewed Hayate when he was a Genin. That man was never sick, cold, or tired. An overall badass of a shinobi in Naruto's young mind.
Now in the same position, Naruto realized that it was just a front that Hayate put up to seem more like a badass to them.
It worked.
Naruto would just never tell his Genin that he was regulating his chakra through his system faster to generate more heat. It would be his little secret.
Sandayū and Koyuki approached Team Thirteen, coming off the ship. And despite living in this land, they were both dressed in heavy winter clothing to stay warm.
"Welcome to the Land of Snow, children!" Sandayū happily stated. "I just wish it was under better circumstances."
"I'm just glad to be here!" Katsuro shouted gleefully. "I can't wait to see everything this place has to offer!"
"Sightseeing will have to wait until our mission is complete, Katsuro." Naruto reprimanded. "Don't forget we're here for a mission. We have a job to do."
Katsuro nodded. He would never forget after the briefing his sensei gave him and his team. How could someone want Koyuki dead? She was world treasure! An actress and leader of her country, not to mention drop dead gorgeous. He wouldn't allow any harm to come to her. "Yes, sensei."
"Did you brief your team, Naruto?"
The Jonin nodded. "They're up to speed on everything. I also sent word back to Konoha via messenger toad. I should hear something back by the end of the day."
"Messenger toad?" Konohamaru questioned. "How does that work?"
"It works much like a messenger hawk, only a toad. I have summoning contract with the toads of Mount Myōboku. There's a direct route straight to Konoha from their village in the mountain. So, it's much faster."
"But sensei there isn't a mountain range near Konohagakure?" Kai was clearly confused. "How can there be a road that leads directly to Konohagakure?"
"I never said it was a road, my young student." Naruto decided to keep the mystery and let his students ponder that. "Anyway, we should probably get moving and head towards your palace. That's where you'll be the safest. And we'll be able to get a better idea from the chief of police."
"What about my things? We can't just leave them here for the criminals to try and steal."
"Princess Koyuki, your safety is more important. Everything will be escorted appropriately; I will see to that."
The woman sighed. "Alright, Sandayū. I trust you to handle this."
"M'lady, have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"
"No…but I know you have purposely lost some of my things because you think I have a spending problem."
Nervously chuckling, Sandayū denied the accusation. "I've haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about, Princess Koyuki. Don't worry, everything will be returned with haste."
Shaking her head at the blatant lie, Koyuki waved off her assistant. "He thinks I don't know what he does."
"I mean…you kinda do have a spending problem."
"What was that, Naruto?!"
"N-Nothin'! Let's just get a move on! Everyone in the vehicle."
Naruto helped the princess into the tracked motor vehicle and the Genin followed her in. Naruto took a long look around, double checking their surroundings. Nothing was out of place or looked deceiving. He stepped in and closed the door behind him.
A top the massive glacier, a few of the criminals watched in secret as the tracked vehicle left the docks. They were extremely happy that the princess had returned and that her ship full of valuables had been left unguarded.
"Don't you fucking move, you ingrates."
Walking up behind them, their appointed leader by their client shoved his staff in their faces to stop them from walking into certain death.
"But, sir, we can take that entire ship without any hassle." One of the criminals stated. "And the Princess is back. We can take them both!
"Yeah, we'd be stupid not to."
"You have no idea what kind of shitstorm we just got thrown into. Do you have any idea who that Shinobi was down there?"
"Uh…there was a Shinobi?"
The leader sighed. "Idiots." He muttered. "The man that got in the vehicle with the damn princess. The one with the blonde hair."
"Now that you mention it…he did look like a Shinobi."
"At least you know what a Shinobi can look like. But you'll definitely recognize the name. Naruto Namikaze, Konoha's Chain Master."
The name did resonate with the criminals. "That was Naruto Namikaze?"
"He didn't look that tough."
"Don't be fooled. He's no pushover. In the Bingo Book, he's considered to be one of the few shinobi that are above the Three Legendary Sannin. You idiots would never be able to touch him, let alone kill him. It would be best if you left him to me. Those brats he was with him are more your level. They looked to be Genin, fresh ones at that. That should be no problem for your group."
One of the criminals smiled devilishly. "Of course! Red River doesn't take prisoners! We will kill those kids and that damned princess and take the Hex Crystal off her dead body!"
While the small group of criminals rejoiced in their activity, the leaders backed away to where he could no be seen. He silently cursed to himself.
Naruto Namikaze was not a part of the plan. He wasn't supposed to be here!
-With Team Thirteen-
The tracked vehicle glided across the dense snow with ease, leaving a massive drift of snow in its wake. All three Genin had their eyes glued to the windows, amazed by the frozen landscape. Despite the solid color of the snow, the scene was beautiful. Especially the way snow gracefully covered pine trees. The way the needles added a shade of green to the white snow was absolutely breathtaking.
"I've never seen so much white…" Katsuro said in wonderment.
"It's hard to imagine that there is actual ground underneath all this snow." Konohamaru added.
"Or that people actually live in this weather." Kai shivered despite being in a heated cabin vehicle.
Koyuki giggled. "Your students are too cute, Naruto."
"It's the first time they're away from home. Gotta let them enjoy it a little bit." Naruto smiled like a proud father. "I remember the first time I left the village for a mission. I was just as excited."
"What was your first mission outside of Konoha, sensei?" Katsuro asked. There was still a lot that the Genin didn't not know about their teacher. While his reputation was legendary and his exploits well-known, the Genin were completely in the dark about his early days as a Shinobi.
"It was search and rescue mission. My team was dispatched to a small town near the border of the Land of Fire and Land of Lightning. Kumogakure had refused to lend a hand and Konohagakure was the next closest village. And when we arrived, we quickly learned why they didn't want to help. A demon in the nearby cave had been attacking and abducting workers that mined crystals. The company shut down production because he didn't want to risk anymore of his workers lives."
"Whoa…!" Konohamaru couldn't help but be amazed.
"A demon?! That must've been scary as hell!"
"What happened next, sensei?" Kai was on the edge of her seat, as was Koyuki.
"Naturally, we went right in to investigate. This demon was no joke. It separated us all very quickly. Its strategy was to divide and conquer us with the zombified corpses of the workers it had already killed. It didn't work though. It didn't long for any of us to defeat the zombies and find the demon's liar in the deepest part of the cave. That's where it was keeping the remaining workers. My sensei got all the workers out of the cave while my teammates and I fought off the demon."
"Was it a fierce battle?!" Konohamaru could only imagine what it was like to fight off a demon.
"I consider it my second hardest battle as a Genin."
"Second hardest?!"
"What was the hardest battle as a Genin?!" Katsuro had to know what was tougher than a fighting a legitimate demon.
Naruto's smile of pride quickly disappeared, being replaced with a blank stare. "…The day my sensei and teammate were killed…"
The cheerful and almost mythic mood vanished, instantly being replaced with the absolute seriousness of their sensei's voice. They were young and inexperienced, but even the Genin could see that the memories were playing through their sensei's mind just by the emptiness in his eyes. He was reliving one of the most horrific experiences in his life.
And it was sad to think about that his teacher and friend being killed wasn't the worst memory in Naruto's life.
Naruto Namikaze was an extremely well-known Shinobi. Not only were his feats as a shinobi legendary, but his life story was something of a tragedy. Both of his parents were killed while on a mission, leaving a young Naruto an orphan. But, thankfully, the Uchiha clan, specifically the family of the clan leader, took the young boy in so that he did not have to live alone.
Then another tragedy struck. While on a mission to the Crescent Moon Kingdom, his sensei and teammate were killed during a fight against three A-Ranked mercenary Shinobi. During that mission, the entire kingdom and island burned to the ground and left hardly any survivors. Facts of the mission are rare, but rumors surrounded the mission like flies.
And by the words of the man himself, the most known rumor was confirmed. Naruto killed the mercenary shinobi in a three-on-one fight, avenging the deaths of his sensei and teammate.
And that's where the legend of Naruto Namikaze began.
"S-Sensei…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"
"It's alright, Katsuro. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about it. Stuff like that…it stays with you forever. In time, you three will experience hardships like I have. But, do you remember what I taught you?"
The three Genin nodded. "Those who break the rules are scum, but those abandon their friends are even worse than that!"
Their unity of the three always made Naruto proud. Listening to them shout the moto his father taught him never failed to fill him with an overwhelming joy and pride. Their time together had been unbelievably short to be taking on a mission of this caliber, but they had come a long way. Naruto had no doubt that the Genin of Team Thirteen would rise to the occasion when it was called for.
He just hoped that it wouldn't be like when he had to.
The tracked vehicle came to a slow halt, the steam engine bellowing out a loud steam cloud. The group had arrived at the rear entrance of the Snow Palace. Multiple servants quickly braved the cold weather and unloaded the luggage that their princess had brought with her.
"Man, look at this palace!" Konohamaru couldn't believe the sheer size of this building. Standing at the base, his neck felt like it could break from looking directly up.
"Do you actually live her, Princess Koyuki?" Kai wondered. It was hard to believe that someone lived in a place like this. This was so far out of her realm.
"Yes." Koyuki smiled at the Genin's innocence. "Sandayū and all my other helpers have their own rooms and can come and go as they please."
"Helpers?" Konohamaru questioned. "You don't call them servants?"
"No. They aren't servants that I boss around, that seems demeaning to me. They help me around the palace with things. Besides, it's impossible to run a country and have a consistent diet. They help me keep myself afloat so that I can keep the Land of Snow afloat. We're just one giant workforce."
Koyuki led Team Thirteen through the palace, showing off many of the artifacts and decorative pieces that she loved. Katsuro was fascinated by all the history that filled the halls. This was quickly becoming more like a visit to the museum than a mission for him. While Naruto would be quick to remind him to stay vigilant at all times, there wouldn't be another opportunity for Katsuro to enjoy something like this.
There was nothing wrong with having a hobby.
The group came to the main meeting hall of the Snow Palace where the chief of police was waiting.
"Lady Koyuki, I'm so glad you've returned safely." He greeted the woman with a strong embrace.
She quickly returned it. "You have to thank my Shinobi escort for that."
Looking beyond his leader, the gruffy older man couldn't help but be utterly shocked. "Do my eyes deceive me or is that Naruto Namikaze?!"
A simple wave. "Long time, no see, Tatsu…or, I should say, Chief Tatsu."
"Boy, I am glad you're here. I can rest a little bit easier now."
"Of course, you can!" Konohamaru enthusiastically proclaimed. "We're Shinobi of Konohagakure! Your land is in good hands, sir!"
Chief Tatsu smirked. "I'm glad to hear it kid." But then his serious nature returned. "My lady, we need to debrief you on everything. I believe we were able to identify one of the of this syndicate."
"Are you certain, Chief?" Koyuki questioned. "Please, tell us everything."
"Yes ma'am. After we recovered Lady Hana's body by the southern shore, we analyzed the scene with our forensics team. They were able to pull some partial prints from…her neck. And we got a partial match when we crossed referenced the Bingo Book and the Rouge Ninja Database."
"What's the name?" Naruto questioned immediately. Knowing even one of these bastards would go a long way to uncovering this mystery.
"Furido." Chief Tatsu read off the paper. "According to this report from a small town in the Land of Fire, Furido recently took over the group as leader. Red River was known for petty theft and the occasional burglary. They've never dipped their feet in something this big before."
Furido. Nothing in Naruto's memory banks held any familiarity to that name. "Is he a former Shinobi? A rouge, perhaps?"
"Hm." Tatsu looked over the paper again. "No information. No criminal record either."
That is a red flag if I've had ever seen one.
"Whoever he is, we have to find him." Katsuro stated. "It's the only way to make sure Princess Koyuki stays safe."
The chief smirked. "You're right, kid. That's where you guys come in."
"You want us to hunt him down?" Kai questioned.
"Find him, hunt him, kill him, I don't really care. So long as this threat gets taken care of before anyone else gets killed."
"I'll get some more intel on this guy from Konoha. Our database is much more extensive." Naruto took out a notepad from his back pouch and wrote the name down. "I should have something in the morning."
"In the morning? How is that possible, sensei?" Kai wondered how this would be possible.
"I have my ways." Naruto winked. "Anyway, I'm calling it for the night. We'll start a search in the morning. Get some rest, you three. It's going to be a busy day tomorrow."
"Yes sensei!" The trio shout never ceased to make Naruto slightly prouder of his Genin.
Things settled for the evening and the palace was calm. Each Genin retired to their own rooms, much to their relief. There was a constant guard watch from the security team. There was no need for Naruto to stay up and watch over his team. But he did any way.
Something about all this just doesn't sit right with me.
He mulled over the information provided and figured Red River had someone on their payroll. Someone was leaking information to them.
But who?
That warning from Captain Makino was beginning to hold more merit.
Chief Tatsu came bumbling down the hall. "Naruto! Naruto!"
The Jonin Instructor stuck his head out from around the corner. "What's the matter, Tatsu?!"
"The docks are being attacked! It's Red River!"
Shit! Naruto immediately put his gear on. "I'll get my team!"
Summoning clones to lessen the amount of time, the Genin were rapidly woken from their sleep. They quickly changed into their gear and met their team leader in the front of the palace.
"Come on! We gotta move fast!"
"I'm getting my forces ready! We'll be right behind you!"
Dashing into the darkness of the frozen tundra, Team Thirteen were running along side each other as they braced for the incoming fight.
This was going to be the first true test of his young Genin team. These weren't their fellow classmates back at the Academy or Shadow Clones of his that were holding back. These were hardened criminals that would take any chance to kill them and wouldn't have a second thought about. Konohamaru, Katsuro, and Kai needed to be on their toes at all times.
And so did he.
But they were too late. The fight was already over.
Dozens of bodies were riddled all over the ground. Blood soaked into the pure white snow, creating a literal sea of red snow. Crates of all sizes were broken and shattered, the objects that were inside clearly taken. And there were large holes blown into the hulls of the ships that were docked inside the port.
"No…" Katsuro couldn't believe his eyes. There was so much blood…
Konohamaru was sickened, he couldn't stomach all the death and destruction before him. He had been told numerous tales of war and the scars that were left because of what they saw. He quickly stepped off to the side and puked.
"H-Help me…."
"Sandayū!"
Naruto rushed straight to Sandayū's body. He laid off towards the side of the carnage. He quickly began first aid to stop the bleeding and stabilize him until the rest of the forces arrived. "C'mon, Sandayū! Don't you quit on me!"
"Is Princess Koyuki…safe?"
"Don't worry about her! Just focus on me!" Naruto continued to render whatever aid he could to keep the man alive. He wouldn't allow Sandayū to die. He was too important to Koyuki and this land.
Kai slowly approached the scene. "Sensei…how could someone do this?"
Running off his adrenaline, Naruto glared back at his student. "Worry about that later, Kai! Secure the perimeter until the others arrive! Check for survivors! Don't stand around! Do something!"
Kai jumped back at the harshness in her Sensei's voice. The reality kicked in and Kai realized that this was the Shinobi of legend before her, Naruto Namikaze, the S-Rank powerhouse. The amount of bloodshed and death he has seen, and probably caused, were beyond her young Genin mind.
"Yes Sensei…"
Naruto finished patching up Sandayū. The bleeding clotted shortly after the bandages were applied. It wasn't a completely fatal wound, but he would have died if left bleeding like he was. He really needed to thank Sakura for those extra medical lessons she gave him. They saved Sandayū's life.
He shouldn't have yelled at Kai like that. This was her, and the rest of the team, first true experience to something like this. No amount of training or mock scenarios could ever prepare anyone for seeing death like this. He still remembered his first time. His first kill.
And being as young as he was, Naruto could remember wishing that he had someone to help him through it. To listen to what he was feeling. Maybe he wouldn't have had so many nightmares then.
So many Shinobi had gone through this, it was almost like a right of passage. A common concept was that you weren't a legitimate Shinobi until you killed someone or experienced a massacre. By no means was this their first kill but this was definitely a massacre.
And if Naruto was honest, one of the worst ones he's ever seen.
But nothing would ever top that massacre in Amegakure.
"Hang in there, Sandayū." Naruto hoisted the man into a seated position against a crate. "Can you tell me anything?"
It was obvious Sandayū was fighting through the pain. "I sent some of the guards home, I thought the docks were more secure. But that was my big mistake. Those criminals were on top of us before I knew what was happening. They overwhelmed us. It was a slaughter. Not even the boat crew survived."
More innocent lives? These guys were going to pay.
"Did you catch any faces? Names? Anything helps, Sandayū."
"…I can't remember. It all happened so fast."
When situations like this happen, the details were usually fuzzy in the beginning stages. A normal person, like Sandayū, could take weeks or months to have a full memory of such a traumatic event. In some cases, the memories were lost forever. Something like was expected from survivors.
The size of the hole in one of the ship's hulls was significantly larger than the others. By a simple glance, it was easy to assume that they blown by either paper bomb or some other triggered explosive. Naruto could see the gunpowder residue on some of the remains. But the large hole was created by something different. There was no residue of gunpowder or any other kind of explosive chemical.
Something stronger created that hole.
A Shinobi.
These weren't just common criminals. Or, at least, not all of them. There was a Shinobi among them.
A slight tingle pricked Naruto's neck. A sixth sense. A familiar presence.
Everything had just changed.
