edited chapter 16
On one side of the room stood Naruto in his anbu gear.
Across from him, separated by prison bars, sat Deidara in restraints.
All Deidara could do is glare at agent Kitsune as he stood there motionless, looking right back at him.
They've been at this for three days, neither saying a word to the other.
The door suddenly opened to reveal Ibiki with a few jonin behind him and the Hokage.
"You two are still at it again?" Neither spoke a word.
"Great looks like the birth of a rivalry. Would that be such a bad thing," Hiruzen thought.
When Naruto first brought him in, he was spouting off how he would be the victor the next time they clash.
After casting a sleep jutsu on the Iwa ninja, they did a mind read on him.
It seems he wasn't fond of his time as an Iwa ninja.
He destroyed his village before crossing paths with Naruto.
"Kitsune, you can take a few days off after dealing with him," Hiruzen informed as he gazed at Deidara.
"Ok then," he said with a yawn as he left.
The Hokage stood before a young boy with a level smile.
"What do you want, old man!" He spat.
The ninja around were all on edge from that comment.
"My sources say you left quite the mark when you abandoned Iwa." His expression didn't falter in the slightest putting the young ninja on edge.
"So what? They were holding me and my art back!"
"Kitsune filled me in in this art of yours."
"That little punk, I don't know how he got past them, but I will beat him!" he said with conviction.
"Sure you will," he said with sarcasm.
"What makes you think I won't, old man!"
"As the Hokage and leader of this village, your fate is in my hands," he said with a Murderous tone.
Deidara did a nervous gulp.
To make things worse, the Konoha ninja had grins of their backing up the Hokage words.
One month later
Right now, Naruto is eating Ichiraku ramen with his sister right next to him.
On his opposite side is Sasuke, also eating ramen along with Hinata.
The reason Sasuke is with them is simple.
This year he will be 12, meaning he'll be graduating from the academy to be a full-fledged ninja.
Therefore he wanted to do some training. Conveniently he ran into the brother-sister pair last week.
He politely asked if he can train with them.
Unknown to Sasuke, Naruto and Kukiko were on vacation from the anbu for a few weeks.
As for Hinata, she was passing by when they ordered and joined them.
Still being academy-level students, Sasuke and Hinata didn't notice several extra eyes on them.
But it was clear as day for the brother and sister pair.
From what they can gather, the observers were presumably girls from the academy hiding in various places around them.
Thanks to Kurama, Naruto could sense the hostility coming from them.
It was aimed at his sister shortly after Sasuke started training with them when he could.
He has a crush on Kukiko, and it's driving the girls in Sasuke's class crazy.
He wasn't worried about her after all there both in the anbu.
After about five minutes, Naruto paid for the meals.
Just as the three were about to leave, Naruto turned to Hinata.
"Sasuke asked to train with us. Are you interested, Hinata?"
She took a moment to ponder his offer before responding with "yes."
Now the group of four didn't head to any of the training grounds.
They found a large enough area not too far away from the village.
Sasuke went to work practicing his kunai and shuriken throwing.
Kukiko worked on her water manipulation.
Leaving Naruto and Hinata to themselves.
"Is there anything you feel needs improving?"
"My clan taijutsu!" Naruto Nodded in response, walking over to a tree.
With kunai in hand, he set up a target for her.
"Is this good?"
"That will do, Naruto," she walks over, doing her regular training exercises.
Naruto let out a sigh as he can still feel the eyes on them.
The observer's eye all landed on Kukiko, wondering, "What does that white-haired girl have that I don't!"
After another hour, Natsu did some sparring with Sasuke and Kukiko with Hinata.
Since Sasuke and Hinata are still in the academy, brother and sister made some makeshift wooden kunai out of the tree branches.
This goes on for a few hours before calling it a day.
Just as they picked up to leave, one of the eyes Naruto felt came out of hiding.
It was Hiashi Hyuga; Hinata was slightly scared at this, knowing she should have been home earlier.
"Hey, I was the one who asked her if she wanted to do some training!" Naruto said, standing between them.
"I'm not mad. On the contrary, I've been watching for some time now. However, I must admit this training regiment could prove beneficial," Hiashi said with his hand on his chin.
He is clearly pondering how to go from here with Hinata and her sister.
"I have to point out this is just standard ninja training." He added.
"I understand. Hinata, we need to return home."
"Understood, father," she caught up to her father before waving goodbye to Naruto.
"Well, that's it for the day, see ya, Sasuke" he waved goodbye as Kukiko followed behind him.
"Bye Naruto" was all he said before heading home.
With Hiruzen
The third Hokage was going over a letter from the Tsuchikage.
It seems they learned of them capturing Deidara a few weeks after he left.
He was expecting them to demand his return to deal out punishment for the destruction he caused.
But it seems they don't want him back. Hiruzen can understand that after what he left as a parting gift.
However, in exchange for Konoha Keeping him in check, they politely ask to stop by regularly checking on him.
It is clear why they are ok with Konoha keeping him.
They're hoping he destroys their village as he did there's.
He wasn't worried about Deidara destroying the village.
Naruto and Deidara inadvertently formed a rivalry. If he can play his cards right, Konoha has gained power.
If Iwa is surprised they tamed him, it might have a similar effect when Kumo offered Naruto and Kurama's assistance.
Two weeks later
Naruto stood before the Hokage, wondering why he called him. Today is his day off.
"You need something, Jiji?"
"Yes, it concerns the Iwa ninja you captured"
"He didn't escape, did he?"
"No, no, he's still detained. I asked you here because you two inadvertently formed a rivalry." He said with a smirk.
Naruto cringes at those words, having a good idea what Hokage was asking of him.
With a defeated look in his eye, "what do you need me to do?" Hiruzen just smirked at this.
Later that day
Naruto stood before the still restrained Deidara in his off-duty gear.
"Why the fuck are you shrimp!"
Naruto took a deep breath before exhaling before putting on his anbu mask.
"You're the punk who somehow brushed off my Art!" He shouted.
"Calm down there," he said, taking it off.
"Hell no, you're the ninja who's gonna ship me back to Iwa!"
"No, that is not; let me finish."
"Like hell, I will!"
Naruto took another deep breath, hoping to calm his nerves.
"IWA DOESN'T WANT YOU BACK!"
That silenced the former Iwa ninja.
Neither spoke a word for about five minutes, to be expected since Deidara is processing Naruto's words.
"Ok, I'll bite. What does your Hokage want with me?"
"Since I'm the one who captured you, he feels I should be the one to break you!" He said smugly.
"Sure you will," his voice was thick with sarcasm as Naruto glared at him.
Two weeks later
"Come on, Deidara, is that the best you can do!" Naruto taunted, sitting from a tree stump.
Deidara right now was doing standard training exercises with weighted clothing on his torso.
Since Deidara can destroy a village, they need to break him, both in mind and body.
This should weed out any thoughts of betrayal if he does become a ninja of Konoha.
Since he developed a rivalry with Naruto, it makes their job easier on them.
Deidara suddenly collapsed to the ground from exhaustion.
"Is that the best you can do, Deidara?"
"I'd like to see you do this!" He spat.
"Really, now!" He got off his stump, unsealing the same weights.
Deidara had a Stupefied look in his eye as Naruto did the exercises with relative ease.
This steeled his resolve going back at it.
When the sun finally set, Naruto called it a day, taking Deidara back to his cell.
The next day with the help of Ibiki, they went to work on his mind.
Naruto actually felt guilty for doing this, but it was needed.
Physical breaking he can do mind, however, is beyond him.
They did this back and forth for additional two weeks.
A whole month has passed since Naruto captured and brought Deidara to the village.
He put up a hell of a fight, but they finally manage to break him.
Once again, Naruto stood before Deidara in his cell before kneeling to eye level.
"Ready for some more-" he never finished his sentence.
"I give up. What is it you need of me?" His tone conveyed his words of defeat at the hand of Konoha.
"Now, we're going to do proper ninja training so you can integrate yourself into our ninja forces." He held out his hand.
Deidara accepts it only for Naruto to pull him to his feet.
Three months later
After three months of proper training, Deidara's speed and reflexes were up to the Hokage standard.
And he increased his arsenal of jutsu to be more well-rounded.
He wasn't alone. Thanks to the Chidori jutsu Naruto developed a few lighting Jutsu.
One is called the thunder punch; he builds up lighting in his fist.
When striking a target, all the chakra gets transferred to them.
This causes one of three things, the person in question's movement is temporarily disabled or slowed.
The second is that they are knocked unconscious.
And three, it inhabits a ninja ability or severely impacts their ability to gather and use chakra for jutsu.
This all depends solely on the ninja's strength, who is unfortunate enough to fall victim to it.
That's not all; he also developed a lighting jutsu where he spits a needle of lighting.
Basically lighting version of the senbon needle.
Unfortunately, it still needs refinement for combat use.
On that note, he worked on creating kunai and shuriken out of lightning; unfortunately, it's still in its infancy.
Right now, he and Deidara are at Ichiraku ramen getting some much-needed dinner.
Of course, right next to Naruto is his sister Kukiko joining them for dinner.
Surprisingly Hiruzen was with them, eating a bowl of heavenly ramen.
And finally, since they're only five seats at the ramen shop, sat an Iwa ninja next to Deidara.
Deidara was on edge right now since he learned Iwa would be checking up on him from time to time.
He didn't understand why they didn't capture and drag him back.
What he didn't know was how the Iwa was surprisingly happy that he was gone.
There are still wounds from when he left.
Not including the fact that Konoha could tame him if you can call it, added to their reluctance to bring him back.
If a village could capture and tame a ninja who nearly destroyed your village, what makes you think you can beat them in a fight.
When Naruto finished eating his ramen, he noticed the date today.
"Look at that in six months. I'll be twelve years old."
This was another reason they didn't want to take Deidara.
A kid younger than twelve managed to fight and capture a ninja who nearly destroyed their village.
Who would be stupid enough even to attempt that!
"Here you go, Naruto," Ayame said, giving Naruto his third bowl of ramen.
She managed to hide it, but pink dusted her cheeks, being in the presence of Deidara.
The only one to notice this is her father, Teuchi, who just smirked.
"I'll be 16 in a month," Deidara added.
"Well, now you should stop by on your birthday, Deidara," Teuchi declared.
"I'll think about it," he took another bite of his ramen with a satisfied expression.
"It's getting late. Come on, Deidara" Deidara took one last bite of his ramen before drinking the broth.
The Iwa ninja had a confused look in his eyes as the two walked away as if it's a regular day.
Hiruzen grinned at the Iwa ninja's expression before paying for Kukiko's and the Iwa ninja meals.
Deidara's place of residence till he can be fully trusted is one floor below Naruto.
The Hokage made this decision for two reasons; one, Naruto has proved he can handle him.
Now that Kurama is an ally for Konoha, he can hopefully keep tabs on him during the night.
He is in the same building. He has access to the hidden doors running through the building.
One month later
After another month of training at Hiruzen requested Ibiki and Inoichi do a final Psych evaluation to see where he stands.
Both Naruto and Hiruzen silently prayed they wouldn't have to lock him away forever.
It would take a full day before they can get any definitive results.
Hiruzen hoped the rivalry he formed with Naruto would sway him to be loyal to Konoha.
Naruto was at his sister's place, pacing back and forth all through the night while his sister tried to stay up but failed.
This conveniently served as a good sleep deprivation exercise.
He does this every so often, thanks to his time in the Anbu.
Noon the following day, he and Hiruzen waited in the first room of T&I.
The door soon opened, revealing the two jonin with blank expressions.
"So, what's your evaluation? Could he prove useful to us?" Hiruzen said with a level tone.
Naruto was visibly shaking in anticipation of their evaluation.
"Deidara passed, I have to clarify there are still some gaps to fill in, but we have complete confidence he will be loyal to Konoha. But, of course, that's assuming we don't do something to sow doubt in him."
"To be expected from any ninja," Hiruzen said with a small smile.
He looks at Naruto, who is visibly trying to keep his excitement in check.
To be expected from a ninja who captured, broke, and trained a new ninja to the village.
"So, what are plans for the boy Lord Hokage?" Inoichi added.
"Hmm, since most of the ninja are unaware of him and only a handful of Iwa ninja know he is with us. I will put him in the Anbu for the time being!"
That got Naruto full attention, but he stayed silent, not wanting to jinx himself.
"It's your decision, Lord Hokage!" With those words, Hiruzen left the department with Naruto right behind him.
The following day all the Anbu not on a mission were gathered to welcome a new family member.
He stood before them in his anbu gear, waiting for the Hokage to give him his code name and mask.
Few moments with a poof of smoke, the third Hokage stood before them.
He walks over to Deidara "from this day forward. Your code name will be Owl. Here is your mask signifying it" he hands him the mask.
He put it on to be surprised it fit so well.
Then all the Anbu pulled to the center, welcoming another member of the family.
They parted for about an hour before their duties called them away.
"Well, trout, it looks like we're back to training with Owl here!"
"It seems to be the case, Kitsune!" They stare deep into the heart of the newest member of the Anbu.
"Fine" was his dejected response.
After a whole month of training, Deidara's speed and reflexes were brought up to standards befitting an Anbu of Konoha.
This started a small squad between the three anbu allowing for higher grade missions to be done.
For two months, they did missions, training generally hanging out with each other off duty.
Those gaps Ibiki pointed out are starting to close little by little with each passing day.
Because fate can be a cruel mistress at times when Naruto's birthday comes around.
They are eating ramen at Ichiraku's, celebrating Naruto's twelfth birthday with his sister's and closest friend beside him and a guest in the form of a Cat or Yugao with them.
She is the adult for this group, making sure nothing crazy happens.
Kakashi would have been there, but he was on a mission along with Tenzo.
"NARUTO!" The now 14-year-old Yukino shouts, hugging him from behind.
Kukiko, Ayame, and Yugao struggle to hold back giggles as Naruto's most enormous admirer suddenly appears.
"Yukino, what are you doing here?" he said with a forced smile, not wanting to come off as rude.
"I remembered it's your birthday, so I asked my uncle if I could visit you!" She finally let him go so he could breathe properly.
Naruto looks to the sky to see it only at noon.
The girls weren't the only ones holding in their laughter; Kurama is as well.
"You told her where I'm at, didn't you!"
"What would make you think that?" he said with an amused tone.
"Cause I know you!"
"Do you know how many men out there that would love to be in your shoes right now!"
"No, and I don't want to" that was all he said, hoping Yukino didn't hear that.
Word through the grapevine said she was improving her hidden Jutsu over the last year.
She quickly found a seat next to him, given to her by Kukiko with a sinister grin sent to her brother.
"I'll have whatever Naruto is having!"
"Be right up in a second!" Teuchi replied as he got another bowl ready.
This whole time Deidara's eyes were locked on the blue-haired beauty before him.
The first to notice his change in expression and attitude was Ayame with an annoyed expression.
She didn't hate Yukino. Naruto's reaction, whenever she was in town, was more than enough.
She is taking this as a challenge to up her game.
Teuchi is the only one aware of this whole ordeal causing him to sweat drops.
He silently hopes this doesn't end badly.
If worse comes to fruition, all he can hope for is that his shop doesn't get caught up in the crossfire.
Then he noticed Yugao noticed it too. Hopefully, she can help keep them from ruining his shop.
First and foremost, he has business to run, after all.
The last thing he needs to deal with is someone else's love life; unfortunately, his daughter is in the mix.
From the looks of it, Deidara figured Naruto isn't a fan of her.
That makes things easier for him. The last thing he wants is to lose a friend who helped him get back on his feet.
Despite how painful and irritating it was, but he has a new goal in mind.
Once Lunch has finished, the trio plus Yukino clearly isn't leaving Naruto's side.
Especially since word from her is Hiruzen assigned him as her guard while she was in the village for a few days.
The occasional mission being her bodyguard from the Hokage was irritating enough.
Now she is in the village and thanks to that jutsu of hers she can find him anywhere.
He made the assumption the old man planned this from the beginning.
His anbu trained mind concluded that this would be a way to keep him in line if needed.
After two days of staying in the village, Naruto with his sister and Deidara in their anbu gear to guard and return her to the feudal lord's palace.
They stayed there the night since it's a long way back.
Unknown to Naruto, his sister was chatting away with Yukino while he was sleeping.
Deidara uses his newfound strength, hoping to get some insight into the girl.
Deidara was cautious as he knew Kukiko would know he was just out of sight if he screwed up.
The following day The pint-sized anbu agent got an unusual request, not from Yukino.
But from his squadmates Kukiko and Deidara, they wanted to meet Kurama.
Well, Deidara wants to, Kukiko joined in.
The last time she met him, the reaper death seal separated them.
"Fine, bump your chakra with mine" he holds out a closed fist with each hand.
Kukiko did it without question, while Deidara was confused about how this could let him see the demon fox.
But he complied with Naruto's instructions bumping his fist.
One second there in the real world, next there is what looks to be a flooded sewer.
That was when he finally noticed the demon fox lying down before them.
"I see you brought a new face" Kurama just glared at Deidara with his giant red eyes.
"Been a while, Kurama," Kukiko says casually.
"Nice to see you again," he reluctantly replied.
The brother and sister had an amused expression while Deidara was trying to find the words.
"So you're the nine-tail fox Kurama?" He asked more to himself than the fox in question.
"Yes, is that all?"
He couldn't find the words as he is still processing what he sees right now.
A moment later, Yukino showed up and raised the explosive blond's demeanor.
Kurama just grinned at this; he might have found some new entertainment.
Naruto was able to hide an exasperated sigh at this.
"How is she here now?" Deidara asked.
"The first time I used this guy's power." He pointed to Kurama, who grinned in response,
"exposure to it unlocked a hidden Kekkei Genkai. She can basically read minds, and if you have a tailed beast sealed inside you like me. She can enter their mind, no problem." He said with a bored tone.
Having not one but two people in his mind is exhausting enough as it is.
But now he has three; he groans at the headache he's gonna have when this is all over.
"He's correct; sorry for showing up. I still have a hard time controlling it from time to time," she said with a sheepish grin.
"You're fine since you're still learning, just not looking forward to the headache when this is all over," he said with another sigh.
His friend and sister, Plus Yukino, continued to pick Kurama's brains for another hour before he ended the 20 questions.
When they all return to the real world, Deidara and Kukiko let out a sigh before sleep.
Naruto, however, has a splitting headache, so he leaves the room to find some painkillers.
Yukino was the one who found them for him before calling it a night.
Two days later, they returned to the hidden leaf village.
The following day Jiraiya returned to the village to see how Naruto is doing.
Wanting some privacy, they headed to the nearby training ground.
He was surprised when he saw not only him but his sister and friend Deidara.
"Well, this is a surprise, mind introducing them gaki '' Naruto wore less pleasant expressions.
"Well, you know Kukiko, you only met her once before; this right here is Deidara, a recent addition to the anbu."
"I do not know a leaf village ninja with the name Deidara?"
"Well...he's joined a few months back," he said haphazardly.
"I'm a former Iwa ninja, was gonna do as pleased after leaving, then I ran into this guy," he points to Naruto.
Naruto wore a sheepish grin, unable to look Jiraiya in the eyes.
"I assume you're the ninja who left Iwa village in shambles?"
"Yes, somehow, this guy managed to beat and capture me and learned the other day he had some help," he said with a hint of venom.
"Bo hoo, you lost. You should know anything goes in a ninja fight!"
Deidara couldn't retort as he knew Naruto was correct.
"What is his code name, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Anbu agent Owl!" he supplied.
"Interesting, so how has your jutsu come along Naruto?"
"Good, I have control over Kurama's chakra, assuming he lets me use it. Oh, I also discovered my second chakra type. It's lightning."
"Really, I never would have guessed lightning. How did you garner Kurama's power?"
"Raikage brother Killer Bee," he said casually.
Jiraiya had to double-take his words. Then, after a few moments, it finally sunk in.
"How did that happen? My informants said there was still some tension between the two villages?"
"There still is. Kukiko and I ran across Killer bee. He made the offer. Eventually, Jiji agreed. the reason he gave it was to help mend the wound between the two lands," he explained
"Well, let's hope those efforts aren't in vain."
"I know," was his response.
"How much progress on your water jutsu Kukiko?"
"Making progress, not only am I able to use the water arm longer, but I've also further developed it."
"Well, that's good to hear," he said, looking at Deidara," I'd like to see this jutsu of yours if you don't mind?"
"Let me set up a barrier seal, don't want to broadcast this to the entire village," he said, getting to work.
The remaining three nodded in understanding, not wanting to make a false alarm.
Five minutes later, a 200-meter diameter area was sectioned off for them.
"Make it quick. At my skill level and this size, we got 5 minutes minimum."
Deidara put one hand in his clay bag, a minute later throwing down a clay creature.
A poof of smoke later clay bird the same size as a Crow appeared, Flying about 50 meters into the sky. "Art is an explosion!" he triggers the crow to explode in a blaze of glory.
"Interesting, but you are wrong. Art is not an explosion. True art is the expression of physical and human emotion through Books!" He held out a small orange book.
Brother and sister sweat drops at that as they see a disturbing amount of men reading those books.
The first that comes to mind is Kakashi, Hiruzen, and the Raikage, list skilled ninja.
"For the last time, Pervy sage that smutty garbage is not art!" Naruto yelled.
"That where you wrong, gaki, this is true art!"
"Art is an explosion!" Deidara counter.
"No, it's found in Books!"
"Explosion!"
"Books!"
"Explosions!"
"Books!"
They went back and forth over what is considered art way past the barrier ended.
"Guy, as much as I love watching you debate over what truly is art, can we move this along, please!"
That brought the two out of the strange debate.
"Mind giving me a demonstration of this lightning nature Naruto?"
"I guess so; the first one I learned is Kakashi's Chidori. He made it very clear that this is not to be used as a weapon because of the tunnel vision it causes. The only reason he taught it to me was to master my lightning nature."
"Understandable, so what jutsu have you created with it?"
"One so far, I call it the thunder punch" he built up elemental chakra in his hand before punching a tree.
The tree bark practically explodes off the trunk.
"That's not its full power. So I can potentially interfere with an opponent's ability to gather and use chakra, assuming they don't fall unconscious."
"Anything else?"
"The next two are still being worked on, but I can show you lighting needles" he does a few hand signs taking a deep breath before exhaling.
Shooting out of his mouth, dozens of tiny needles spay forward.
Unfortunately, they all quickly dissipated a couple of meters away.
Finally, he put his hand together, channeling chakra into them.
He slowly pulled his hands apart as crackling lightning arcs back and forth between his hands.
After about thirty seconds, the lighting takes the vague shape of a kunai.
Naruto quickly closed his hand. "sorry that one is very demanding to pull off."
"Interesting, well, if you come this far on your own, I have complete confidence you'll succeed in time."
Before he could continue, agent cat showed up. "Naruto the Hokage requested your presents!"
"Ok then, see you guys later," they waved him off.
Five minutes later, Naruto Stood before the Hokage in full anbu gear.
"I need something, Jiji?"
"Gai has requested your assistance on his squad's first C rank mission."
"Why does he need me!"
"Seems you made an impression on them the first time-" he would have continued, but Naruto stopped him knowing what Gai was getting at.
"Ok, but why do they need a member of the anbu for C-rank mission if they have a jonin?"
"This is a high-level C-rank mission. The job entails escorting a caravan. There are two actually, one carrying the cargo, and the other is dud. Gai will be the guarding one himself. He asks you to shadow his team in case they get in over their heads."
"That makes sense. They're still a little green from what I've heard through the grapevine."
"Do you accept?"
"Sure"
"Good, and unfortunately, you'll have to leave right away" he handed him the scroll with all the details needed.
"Hai!" and he was off.
After half an hour of traveling with superior speed, he caught up to team Gai landing before them.
The three genins were put on edge, none more so than the Hyuga kid.
"Lord Hokage said you needed my Help Gai?"
"Who is this guy?" a civilian asked.
"This right here is agent Kitsune of Konoha's Anbu forces! I requested his help when I learned one of the caravans contained a dud cargo." Gai informed.
"Are you sure he is strong enough? He is rather small for an Anbu agent?"
"He may look small, but agent Kitsune has more than earned the right to call himself Anbu!" he said with sparkles of teeth.
"If you say so."
"Ok, so here the plan I and tenten with guard Caravan A while Neji, Lee with agent Kitsune guard caravan B."
"Hai" was the group response.
"Kitsune, I want you to stay hidden for the time being."
"Why Gai sensei, surely if they see him, it might scare them off!" Lee responded.
"It could have the opposite effect. The enemy assumes the real cargo in our caravan," Naruto informed.
"If you had any doubt about his skill, that should erase them. Also, Kitsune, this is to stay in contact." Gai hands him a radio.
Putting on the mic, Naruto shunshinned out of sight. Five minutes later, the group separated off along their chosen route.
It would be a five-hour caravan trip. Nothing happened in the first four hours.
That's when Naruto detected a mysterious presence 200 meters from the path.
"Gai, do you sense anything?"
"Negative, what about you?"
"I'm detecting something over 200 meters off the path. Unfortunately, I can't identify it yet."
"Roger, keep an eye out and stay quiet for now. The last thing we need is to start a panic."
"Hai!"
Naruto created a shadow clone putting it halfway between him and the presence he detected.
This should give him a better warning time for the genin.
After 20 minutes, his clone's memories hit him.
He bolted to his caravan as he relayed this information to Gai.
He Landed before Neji and Lee "get your guard up. We have company!" He pulls out his trench knives.
Not even ten seconds pass before a small group of ninja jump out, pulling out various weapons.
Neji activated his byakugan, getting his gentle fist ready.
Lee instantly got in a fighting stance.
"The small fries are all mine, BOYS!" the presumed leader shouts as he brings down his Axe right on top of Naruto.
Naruto's eye narrows at the comment about his size.
Without even breaking a sweat, he blocked the Axe.
The man in question pulled back, stomping the ground, throwing Naruto Off his balance.
Preying on the opportunity, he slashes, getting a hit only for Naruto's body to poof, revealing a log.
"Substitution jutsu!" He turns only to see two more Naruto kick him in the gut sending him flying.
He called in backup, three more guys to box him in.
They smirk and think they have the upper hand. The leaders remaining men are keeping the two genins busy.
Thanks to his mask, they couldn't see that Naruto had a sinister smirk.
Before they started the battle, Naruto took a glance at the room he has available.
There was just enough to use his shock waves.
It took a few seconds to build up the chakra, but he did it without an outstretched hand.
He released the shockwaves throwing back two of the ninjas, Before black flipping backward, not before kicking one square in the jaws.
He pulls out his trench knives as each of the ninjas takes a strike at him.
He effortlessly dodges them doing slash at their arms when the opportunity showed itself.
Both Neji and Lee managed to take care of their targets during this display before checking on the client.
They were stunned. If either of the genins were in Naruto's place, they would be overwhelmed.
For Naruto, this was child's play to him.
He was slowly wearing them down with each attack. Finally, he dodges, followed up by his slashes.
The three weaker guys eventually collapsed from exhaust and pain from their wounds.
The last guy was proven difficult.
Naruto saw this as an opportunity to test out his thunder punch.
Building up his lighting chakra, "Lightning Style thunder punch!" He nails the man straight in the gut sending him back.
Once the dust cleared, the man's body was spasming like crazy.
He won't die, but they don't have to worry about his jutsu for the time being.
He looks back to the others "you two alright?" he said with concern.
"We're fine, Kitsune, just astounded by the power shown from just one of Konoha Anbu!" Lee replied.
"The training was hell, but you can't deny the results!"
Neji, this whole time just stayed silent.
His mind was going over what Gai told him the first time they met him face to face.
Everything he heard and concluded about fate and destiny cemented in his mind was starting to crack.
Naruto took Notice of Neji's expression but chose not to call him out on it.
Naruto patched up their wound before tieing them up.
He summons a toad to send word to the Hokage.
"Come, we got a mission to complete!"
"Right!" After a few minutes, they continued onward.
Naruto shunshinned out of sight before radioing Gai.
"Gai enemy ninja dealt with, continuing with the mission."
"Thank you for letting me know. Are there any survivors!"
"three of them are badly wounded, but none of them are dead."
"Solid Copy, did you send word to retrieve them?"
"yes, I sent a toad to the Hokage."
After another half hour of travel, they met up with Gai and Tenten at a fork in the road.
"Kitsune filled me in on what happened. How did you fare facing the enemy ninja?" He said with authority.
"It was… enlightening Gai sensei," Neji replied.
"And you, Lee?"
"Just a reminder, I have a long road ahead of me," he said with his head hanging down.
"Hey, chin up, Lee, you guy didn't do half bad," Naruto praised, lifting his spirit.
"Thank you, Kitsune!" He said with a smile.
With a proud grin, Gai looks to Neji, hoping he will elaborate further.
But he didn't he; it just wore a slightly stern expression.
Not enough to say he's angry. He just seemed withdrawn from everyone.
Gai wouldn't admit it, but he's glad Naruto answered his request the first time.
Ever since he asked for his help the first time.
He noticed a slight change in his attitude.
Hopefully, what he saw today will speed it along.
But those thoughts are for another time. Now they have a mission to complete.
"We can handle it from here, Kitsune. Head back to the village if you want."
"See ya around, guys!" And he was off.
Naruto headed off to the village. If he knows the old man well is only a matter of time when Gai requests his assistant.
With Neji
Beyond a straightforward yes or no, Neji remains quiet for the remainder of the mission.
His mind was pouring over what Gai said about Kitsune.
He was a simple kid with no talent in the ninja arts.
He never gave up; every time he was knocked down, he'd get right back up going for more.
Little by little, in his sensei words, his skills improved to the point he is accepted in the Anbu.
Before that day, he thought everyone's skills have limits.
Only those born with great aptitude in the ninja arts can become Jonin, Anbu, and Hokage.
Gai sensei wouldn't lie to them about this Kitsune kid having no talent.
And yet, he defied his preconceived notion of a person's limits.
To add institutions injury, his cousin Hinata once a shi and fragile girl,
It is now turning into a force to be reckoned with while still maintaining her gentle Nature.
Some would call it a contradiction, yet she proves it exists and works.
Needless to say, he has a lot to think about for the time being.
With Naruto
On his way back to the village, Naruto was going over his conversation with Kurama.
It was about the day he was sealed inside him.
It got him wondering, would it be possible to get his Yin half in the belly of the death god.
He'll take a few days to think it over.
Three days later
Naruto stood before the third Hokage with a stern expression waiting for his answer.
"Repeat that, Naruto?"
"I need access to the scroll on the Uzumaki sealing art. I am hoping to find a way to retrieve Kurama's Yin half!" He said with conviction.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I am!"
"It won't be easy getting approval of the village council member to permit this."
"Why do you need their approval since they are my birthright as a member of the Uzumaki clan!"
"True, to tell the truth, there are still those who are distrusting of my decision to bring you into Anbu."
"There more to it, is there?"
"Yes, those scrolls were sealed away after the Kurama's rampage 12 years ago. It was agreed to be kept under maximum security."
"I understand," just as he was about to leave.
"Stop!"
"What is it, Jiji?"
"You've proved you're ready for this in skills alone if you include the defeat and capture of Deidara and his Integration into our forces. Suppose we can get more Jonin's as skilled as Kakashi and Gai's with special jonin like Ibiki and Shikaku. It might be enough to overturn their opposition to the idea."
Hope-filled Naruto's eyes before being replaced by skepticism.
"How would that go about? I'm still drawing blanks on the political side of our village?"
"If we get approval, we grant you S-class access, meaning they can complain all they want, but it won't stop you from obtaining what your birthright is."
"How long will that take?"
"Unfortunately, I have no idea it could take weeks or months."
"I understand. I'm gonna work on my lightning nature if you need me."
"If anything comes up, I'll let you know!"
"Thanks, Jiji"
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