(Chapter 38: Crashing of Waves: Part 1)
The month of December had worn on into its dying days as winter had officially settled in for Konoha, as gone were the rampant thunderstorms of Naruto and Fu's prior clash, and replaced by the gentle snowfall of winter. It was also during this time that despite Toshiro's outburst against Naruto and Hanabi that had landed him house arrest for the next several months and a month-long confinement to a cell, that Kakashi's team had barely managed to become applicable for a C-rank…although just by the skin of their teeth in said jonin's opinion.
(December 28th, 997 S.E, Akimichi BBQ, 1:45 Pm)
It was a chilly December afternoon as a surprised Kazushi was meeting with an undeniably stressed Kakashi for lunch, having to want to know just how her fellow jonin was gonna fair taking his caustic genin on an actual mission for once.
"Are you sure you're ready to do this, Kakashi? Since those 3 aren't what I'd call 'stable', and even that's an understatement." Kazushi asked knowing that Team 7 was a volatile mix to say the least
"I gave them 3 months to show that they could be capable of going on something higher than a D-rank…Somehow, they managed to pull it off against all odds. I don't know how they managed to make it from then until now without being at each others' throats like a pack of rabid dogs. But they did it, and now I have to honor the agreement I made with them." Kakashi answered back both surprised and now resigned to taking his genin on their long-awaited C-Rank
"And I'm gonna take a stab in the dark, and say your not excited about taking them on their 1st C-rank?" Kazushi said looking over at the incredibly unenthused jonin
"What gave it away?" Kakashi responded wearily
"Between your hair going white, the bags under your eyes, the fact that no one's seen you with your Icha Icha in months…That and you look defeated most days." Kazushi remarked at the fact that Kakashi seemed to have age 6 years in the span of a few months
"Would you believe me if I told you; that I would rather be in Anbu again, than teaching Minato-sensei's students...Better yet, I would rather take on a dozen S-rank missions one after the after with no sleep, than have to be there sensei for one more minute. At least that sounds far more pleasant than being near or around them; for any extended period of time." Kakashi said to the daughter of Tsunade and Dan
"From how bad your looking, I'd definitely believe it." Kazushi said back
"Then again, everyone tried to warn you that you were signing on for a total nightmare. But with how dead-set you were on wanting to teach those two heathens…The majority of us figured it would be best to let you figure how bad it was for yourself." Kazushi further spoke knowing that Kakashi's 'dream-team' being a nightmare was something of his own doing
"To be honest with you, I wish I would have listened. After what Toshiro nearly did to Naruto last month, I am honestly worried for a worst-case scenario." Kakashi said with trepidation for the rather emotionally unstable son of the 4th Hokage
Considering that if Toshiro's unstable temper was enough for him to try and attack Naruto with a powered-up Rasengan, then Kakashi was both worried and preparing for the possibility that he may have to at best put him in restraints and at worst put him down and out of commission for the duration.
"Even though I know, my dumbass little cousin can handle himself just fine. I am glad that Hanabi was there to step in, and take him down a few pegs. The little piece of shit, deserves it for all the grief he's given Naruto." Kazushi said thankful for Hanabi's interceding when she did
"How I or anyone could have missed his being a loose cannon, I will never know...I feel like such a giant fool for not having caught onto this sort of behavior quicker." Kakashi spoke wondering how he could've missed such a thing
"One part everyone being caught in the flash, smoke and mirrors of them being the 'heroes' of the village; for holding back the 9 tails. Another part is Jiraiya being extremely good at P.R, despite being a giant dick. Then the last part is just them being your sensei's kids, as who in their gonna think that the children of the Yellow Flash are gonna be a bunch of self-centered assholes." Kazushi listed off the trinity of what allowed them to get away with being as they were
"Besides, there are just somethings that just slip under the radar…Your students being assholes is one of them." Kazushi added
"...I just wish that I would have caught on earlier. Maybe then I could have salvaged this mess, before it got out of hand." Kakashi spoke
"Trust me, with everything going on; there was no way you were gonna be able to salvage those 2 being on a team together. They are toxicity incarnate, Kakashi. So any chance of having an all-star team went out the window; the moment you took them on." Kazushi replied knowing that those two together were a walking recipe for self-destruction
"Hopefully, the mission we are going on will change things…I just want them to not wind up like my team." Kakashi said back dreading the thought of such a thing happening
"I might despise my sensei's children, but even I know that some people should never have to go through what I did with Obito and Rin. That day still gives me nightmares too this day." Kakashi further spoke still vividly remembering Obito's screams as he was crushed underneath so much rubble and watch him practically be splattered by the avalanche
"Kakashi, what happened with you guys was different. We were at war back then, and you guys pretty much had the equivalent of 'anything that can go wrong, will go wrong' happen that day. Plus, you did the best you could to save everybody." Kazushi spoke remembering the day where Kakashi came back as the sole survivor of that mission all too well
"It didn't feel like I did…Even now, I still wake up at night wondering if I did the right thing. I still wonder if there was something else I could have done to save Obito and Rin…Maybe they would've been able to handle being a jonin-sensei better than me…It isn't a secret that they deserve to be here more than I…" Kakashi lamented before a backhand to the face derailed his train of thought
"What was that for?!" Kakashi said his face stinging immensely from the bitch-slap
"That is for getting down on yourself like that, Kakashi. I am not about to let you do yourself like that again…I might give you crap for being a crappy sensei, but the one thing I will not give you crap for is being a good man at heart and a stellar shinobi. Since you are by far one of the greatest we have on deck, Kakashi and I REFUSE to let you think lesser of yourself in my presence!" Kazushi said back in refusal to let Kakashi go down the road of melancholic what-ifs
"Honestly, for someone whose copied nearly a thousand jutsu, and is one of the greatest prodigies in the village. You really need to take some time to put that same energy into yourself. Because, between those twin monsters doing a number on your mental health, and you still not going to counseling even though Guy and I have been on your ass about it for years…I say this as your fellow shinobi and as someone who does not wanna see you go down the depression rabbit hole…Get some fucking help." Kazushi added
"Kazushi, I understand your worried about me. But I will be fine." Kakashi said to an unmoved Kazushi
"Mmhmm, sure you are. All I know is that after whatever this mission of yours is, you need to take some time off and get your head straight. Because, this whole jonin sensei thing, on top of the other stuff you've got messing with you up there; is fucking you up and you know it." Kazushi said gesturing to his worn-down and almost defeated-looking state
"...I guess you're right. Maybe after we get back from Wave, I could do with a break from teaching them. My ability to sleep and peace of mind would much appreciate it." Kakashi replied having not slept for more than 5-6 hours due to the irritation and stress brought on by his sensei's children
"You had better, because I may screw with you a lot. But even I know that you don't deserve to go insane, because of two spoiled brats. Not when you have so much more to still offer the village." Kazushi said to her fellow jonin
"...Sorry, it just feels weird to not hear you give me grief for once." Kakashi replied
"Well, that was before I saw you; starting to wither like you got left out in the sun for too long. Call it a little bit of sympathy for what you are going through…At the end of the day, no one deserves to be a sensei to Toshiro and Mizore. That is a type of hell on its own." Kazushi said back
"I can certainly drink to that...Hopefully, after all of this, things will start to change for the better" Kakashi said knowing he needed a few…or a dozen
"Speaking of our drinks, here they are right now!..Also, I wouldn't get your hopes up too much, Kakashi. They are still a long ways away from being a functional team, so good luck." Kazushi said as their server put down their drinks before returning to get their food
"Thanks, I have the feeling I'm going to need it in abundance." Kakashi spoke knowing he was going to have to hope as he never hoped before that things would be alright
"So…While our server is getting our stuff together, how about you tell me what this mission you taking those 3 idiots on; is all about?" Kazushi questioned
"Fair enough… Tell me something, what do you know about Wave Country?" Kakashi said as the two began to then go over the details of the impending C-Rank
(The next day later, 3:57 Pm, Konoha, December 29th, 997 S.E)
Meanwhile, in the village were Naruto and Hanabi who were out on one of their dates together; picking out outfits to wear for the upcoming New Years festival were enjoying their time together, or at least were before the presence of a smug-looking Mizore came into view.
'And like that, my happiness is now being ruined…I swear to if she's on some bullshit today, I just may Mega Kick her through a wall.' Naruto said himself as nothing but rage and hate welled up within him the closer Mizore got
"What do you want, Mizore? If it isn't something important; then turn it back around right now." Naruto spoke as the desire to smash her face in with a Hammer Arm became more and more appealing
"Oh come on, Naruto, you don't need to be like that. Besides, this is something that you should listen to you. After all, it would be a shame if you disappointed me by not listening to what I had to say." Mizore said as the underlying tone of arrogance and threatening menace wasn't too hard to miss
"You have 2 minutes. Make it count, as I am not in the mood for shenanigans today. Especially, when I have shit to do right now." Naruto replied struggling between not wanting to cause a scene and just outright pummeling his sister on sight into a bloody smear on the stores' tile floor
'I swear to Mr. Arceus that if we weren't in public right now I'd Sky Uppercut a hole through your chest and Mach Punch you in the face till it caved in. Then heal your bitch ass so I could smash it into a thousand little pieces and watch you bleed out so I can tear you and half and smash your carcass...and oh dear god I really should get a handle on my anger issues with her and Toshiro.' Naruto said to himself before stopping in realization of how dark his train of thought was going
"I wanted to do you the honor of letting you know that my genin team and I, are going to go on a C-rank mission to escort a bridge builder from Wave Country back to his home; all as part of his protection detail…Don't you feel delighted to know that I'm going to be doing something that wonderful!" Mizore boisterously announced to an unphased Naruto
"That's it…You interrupted my good day for that?! Are you seriously right now?" Naruto said feeling actually insulted that his time was being wasted for this nonsense
"I didn't interrupt your day at all, Naruto. I improved it if anything, besides, it wasn't like you were doing anything important anyways." Mizore replied as Naruto could only grow more and more irritated with his sisters' presence
"I actually was doing something important; before you came along and ruined it!" Naruto said back struggling not to punch Mizore's head off her shoulders
"Pffttt, I doubt you could be doing anything more than being in my presence. If anything you should feel honored that I even told you my news to begin with." Mizore spoke before Hanabi came back from the changing room
"The only thing I'm honored about is that I'm not on a team with you." Was Naruto's immediate response
"Naruto, I have everything ready for the New Years party this weekend." Hanabi said to her partner
"That's wonderful to hear, Hanabi. Also, remember that we're gonna be having the New Years party at the Kure's this weekend." Naruto told her
"Good to know, also Mizuki has been cleared to finally leave the hospital in the next month or so. Apparently, hearing how well you have been doing has been a motivator for him to get better." Hanabi replied causing Naruto's face to light up at the information
"Wait, really?!...That's awesome!" Naruto nearly shouted in excitement of Mizuki's recovery
"It really is, and although it will take some time for him to get back into shape. He's going to be just fine when he gets out." Hanabi said as Naruto's heart pounded in joy
"We are so going out to celebrate the moment he's cleared...I've got so much awesome stuff too tell him" Naruto said back excited to tell Mizuki all of what he's done
"Hey! Stop distracting him from my good news! Why should your stupid New Years plans take precedence over my finally getting a real mission? Especially, when what I'm doing is a lot better than you spending time with her." Mizore yelled out furiously
"Tch, your good news isn't even all that, Mizore. In case you haven't noticed compared to everyone else we've graduated with. You guys are dead last in the ringer for higher-up missions." Was Naruto's terse response to his sister's indignance
"My team has done over a bit over a dozen C-ranks and a B-rank here and there since Lord Ozai put in a good word for us. Choji's team has done 4 C-ranks, and has killed it. Hell, even Hanabi's bitch-ass sister and her team have done 2 C-ranks. That's not even getting started on Neji and them's team who have been knocking it out of the park since they graduated…So in all seriousness, your gloating over getting some escort mission ain't even all that important when we've been at it for a helluva lot longer than you." Naruto further spoke not impressed whatsoever by his sister's boasting
Seeing as how thanks to the combination of his Teleport ability, his teams' combat prowess, and outstanding team/work ethic; they were able to clear out D, C, and even the occasional B-Rank at such rates they were damn near setting records at this point. Not to mention that with their teams' their peers were on being substantially less toxic than Team Kakashi's…suffice it to say that Mizore's flex of being appointed to the mission to Wave fell short in the face of the fact that she was woefully behind in regards to her peers.
"That is a fair point. Given that the other jonins and I have made it a betting pool, of who would have the worst team. Suffice it to say that Kakashi's and by proxy, your sister here has made a lot of people rich...In fact, it is thanks to your sister that I was able to afford a few high-end Christmas presents for Neji this year" Hanabi informed the two Uzumaki's of the betting pool going on for the worst and most successful genin
"There's a betting pool for this stuff?!" Both Mizore and Naruto asked in surprise
"Yes. In fact, you would be surprised how much goes on behind closed doors. But nonetheless, there is a betting pool involved, and so far Kakashi is in the running for the worst genin squad in the village…Which I do pity him, given that he is a talented shinobi, but a man who is out of his depth when it comes to teaching." Hanabi answered back in regards to Minato's remaining students' team
"How can we be that low?! My brother and I are the strongest and most talented out of everyone in the whole village! How can we be the worst genin team?...That doesn't even make any possible sense." Mizore said exasperated in how her team could be so low
"I would elaborate on the subject, but there is not enough time in the day for that." Hanabi replied knowing that as much as she'd like to that it was neither the time nor the place to do so
"Well, at least I'm not at the bottom like you...Man that's gotta burn knowing that, Mizore." Naruto said with a cheeky grin at how Mizore was on the shittiest genin team in the village
"Oh no, in fact, you and Might Guy's genin are tied for the most successful genin squads in the village. Which is saying something given how effective they are together." Hanabi informed her partner
'...Well damn, I didn't see that coming.' Was the only thing that came to mind for Arceus's champion
"It is definitely something to be proud of, Naruto. Especially considering that your team is breaking records for most completed missions." Hanabi added
"Do you hear that, Mizore. Looks like you aren't so great after all. Ah man, my day just keeps getting better and better" Naruto said to a fuming Mizore as his cheeky grin turned into a smug smile
"Like I would care about the words that come out of that who…" Mizore began to say before a marigold colored cloud of spores came over her freezing her in place
"As if I'm really gonna let you finish calling the good lady Hanabi a whore…Shame on ya, Mizore." Naruto said glad that he always had Stun Spore as a stfu option
"Is she going to be alright?...While I don't really care for her that much, I feel as though I should ask for safety concerns." Hanabi inquired tapping the stock-still Mizore
"She'll be fine. I just paralyzed her for the next 2 hours. After that, she should be fine as she was this morning…A little lightheaded and down with a bad case of vertigo, but fine nonetheless." Naruto answered back regarding the low-powered version of Stun Spore he used
'Plus, she should be lucky I didn't amp it up even more. Otherwise, she would be looking at 12 hours instead of 2.' Naruto said to himself as he then propped the paralyzed Mizore underneath a clothing rack that was hidden and out of the way
"So now that that headache is gone. What do you want to do now?" Naruto asked the elder Hyuga
"I would appreciate it if we could go out to lunch at Yakiniku Q's, if that is alright?" Hanabi requested
"Sure, no problem. Just hop on and I'll take us there." Naruto said as Hanabi hopped onto Naruto's back before said blonde dashed off at inhuman speeds
"To be honest, of all the times I have seen you get your just desserts. Having Naruto literally shut you up has to be one of my favorites." Yang Kurama spoke whilst cackling at his hosts' predicament
'Hey, shut up and break me out of this already! He can't get away with doing this to me, not when I finally have an important mission to go on. He deserves to have the consequences of ruining this for me come down on him and now!' Mizore demanded out of her half of the 9 tails
"I don't think I will. You continue to run your mouth about the undeserved greatness you have like clockwork. That's why; I think it's time that you finally start learning the action of your consequences." Yang Kurama said still in a fantastic mood over what had happened
"After all, I think a few hours of solitude will do you some good. I know it certainly will for me, and everyone in a 10-mile radius." Yang Kurama further spoke as Mizore struggled in vain to try and break free of her paralysis
'You can't do this to me! I am too good to be left here like someone's outdated clothes. I'm the future 5th Hokage, they can't just discard me like this!' Mizore raved to her inner beast in frustration as she could only vibrate in anger
"I'm sorry, the monster fox you are trying to reach at this moment is currently unavailable. Please wait until after the tone to try again….BEEEEEPPPPP!" Yang Kurama said imitating a dial tone before severing the connection
'Hey, Hey, don't you dare go quiet on me you stupid fox! You get back here and undo this to me so I can teach Naruto a lesson! You hear me?! Give me some goddamn power already, so I can some him that he doesn't get to do this without getting a punishment from me! Do you hear me you mangy fox, don't you dare ignore me?!' Mizore hollered to nothing but utter silence as in her paralyzed state all that came out were heavily stifled murmurs
"It truly is a shame that I couldn't have been partnered with her brother. At least he would have been a helluva lot more pleasant than this imp…But at the very least he gave me some great entertainment for the new year...So thank you for that, Naruto Uzumaki, you certainly do not disappoint when it comes to my entertainment." Yang Kurama said to himself in the enjoyment of MIzore's paralyzed plight
(5 days later, 9:40 Pm, 20 miles outside of Sunagakure, January 3rd, 998 S.E)
It would be quite some time later after the New Years celebration that Naruto had had with the Kure's, the Akimichi's and his peers and friends he'd made along the way of his short tenure as a shinobi. However, in spite of that and in still good spirits of another year to make his own; that he went off to visit with Gaara to see how she'd been doing these past few months.
"Sorry I'm late to seeing you and all, but Happy New Years and all that!" Naruto said to the redhead beside him
"Thank you, Naruto. I really do appreciate you making time for me. It honestly warms my heart to know that you care that much about me." Gaara responded feeling her heart almost swarm with butterflies
"Of course, I care about you, Gaara. You're a really great person to be around, and its always a treat everytime I get to see you." Naruto said back with an almost infectiously cheerful grin on his face
"Plus these are some of the best nights I can ask for, if I'm gonna shoot it straight with you…Nothing like hanging out with a great person in a dope-looking sand-castle, with some snacks on a Wednesday night." Naruto further spoke, having enjoyed his time with the jinchuuriki of Shukaku
"I truly cannot tell you how much your company means to me, Naruto." Gaara said thankful her sand armor could hide the reddening across her face
"And I'm glad to have you company with me. There isn't a lot of places I would be other than with you, ya know…I mean and I know I'm gonna sound cheesy for saying this, but you are one of a kind." Naruto replied in earnest whilst eating his pretzels
"Again, thank you for your kindness, Naruto. Beyond spending time with Maki, who is busy with her duties as a Chunin. I do not have much in terms of people who wish to spend time with me." Gaara spoke extremely thankful to have a positive relationship with Naruto
"It is much better than what I am normally used to from my 'family', when they don't deem me as something waiting to snap." Gaara further spoke regarding her none to stellar relationship with her family
"I still can't believe they see you like your Shukaku incarnate. Hell, with all the good things I see you in; I finding it really hard to think or see anything bad about you. Especially when I helped make sure your mind is all decent for a good bit." Naruto said back still wondering how anyone could think of Gaara as some horrible bloodthirsty monster
"Even with the amount of mental clarity and focus I have had, since then. It has yet to change things for the better, if anything it has made our 'relationship' even more tense. Given that with my being able to focus, and think without the constant ramblings and whispers of Shukaku in my ear. I have been far more focused and efficient in my abilities, and it scares them." Gaara told Naruto while she made an almost lifelike tiger of sandstone and quartz in a 3rd of the time it normally would take
Now that Gaara had been able to actually focus without her 'mother' attempting to drive her mad without sleep, and as a result her mental and emotional fortitude had been able to recover by leaps and bounds; that it left her ability to manipulate and control sand to begin explosively increasingly to where she could create even more intricate constructs and manipulate it far more creatively. Something that had her siblings even more scared of her given that now that she was able to think clearly, and her powers growing far stronger without Shukaku's interference that they were worried that she may turn on her given that even in calmness did she retain the same level of brutality…only now it was far more focused.
"Considering how they didn't do anything to help while the whole village was treating you like crap…Better yet they just stood by while your own dad had people try to assassinate you. Yet they didn't do anything, so as far as I'm concerned let 'em be scared." Naruto said to the redhead beside him who continued to eat her licorice whips
"Really? Are you sure that is a good idea?" Gaara questioned
"Look, I may not be the leading expert on family life and relationships. But what I do know is that if they couldn't be there for you when you were going through the shit. That when none of them had the nerve to be there when everyone against you, as is there duty as an older sibling to be there for you. Then they deserve everything that you give to them, for not having the common decency to stand by their own family." Naruto answered back
"I cannot say that I disagree with those words…With how much I have had to become an island unto myself, at least with Maki and even Shura who as of recent has been at my side, as a decent acquaintance... To be fully transparent with you, I cannot even say if I even love Kankuro or Temari." Gaara spoke having felt absolute zero in the way of love or connection towards her siblings
"That's just the thing, Gaara. It isn't wrong for you not to feel anything or not even love them. If they never formed bonds with you, or even tried to make it work. Then they are not deserving of your mercy or kindness." Naruto said back as he and Gaara continued to eat their snacks
"I am glad to hear that, Naruto…Now that Shukaku no longer whispers in my ear to butcher everything around me. It is rather nice to have a more pleasant voice to comfort me." Gaara spoke with a smile coming across her face
"Hey, I'm always happy to be here to cheer you up, and do what I can to make sure you're gonna be alright. It is the LEAST I can do for you." Naruto responded with the aura of optimism he seemed to radiate caused Gaara's heart to warm
'How I was able to have him become one of my few friends, I will never know.' Gaara said as she couldn't help but take in the otherworldly warmth he seemed to make her feel
"By the way, is everything holding up with that barrier I put in your noggin'?" Naruto questioned
"It has continued hold out well. So far I have yet to hear Shukaku's voice return in any form whatsoever." Gaara told Naruto of the state of the mental barrier put in place
"That's great to hear, Gaara. Do you want me to reinforce it? I know with the Chunin Exams coming up soon, that it would help to be on your A-game." Naruto asked the redhead
"That would be nice…I do enjoy being able to sleep peacefully at night, as well as having mental clarity for the first time in ages." Gaara replied
"Alright, just give me a few moments to get it taken care of." Naruto said back as his hands crackled with psionic energy
"I am surprised that this isn't going to be as dramatic as the 1st time?" Gaara said as Naruto placed his hand on Gaara's head
"That would be, because I'm not having to make a whole new one from scratch. Now that one is already up and running, I can just tighten up a few things hear and there and voila. Everything is better than ever!" Naruto said as the brief distortions around Gaara's head faded within the span of 10 seconds
"And there we are! Now you should be good until the Chunin Exams begin or are over…whichever one comes first." Naruto told Gaara
"Thank you for doing this for me, Naruto. I truly do appreciate your friendship and your help." Gaara said
"Hey, it is no problem at all. Besides, it would be real shitty of me if I didn't help you out. Especially when I've got this power to help you out." Naruto replied in seeing it as a waste of his powers if he didn't help when he could
"For all of your help and companionship these past months, I would like to know if there is anything I could do for you. You have been nothing but kind to me, and have helped me to know a peaceful nights rest for the first time in years." Gaara said back wondering it there was anything she could do to repay Naruto for his friendship with her
"Honestly, Gaara the only thing I do want from you; is to keep being friends with you. That's all I could really ask of you, as other than that I'm happy with how things are." Naruto told the jinchuuriki of Shukaku
"Really?" Gaara asked
"Really. I don't really neeed anything else from you; that I can really think of…So honestly, what we have going on here as friends is more than enough for me." Naruto said as he gazed back up at the starry night from within the skylight of their sand castle
"...I have no more words to express my gratitude towards our continued relationship with one another." Gaara replied as the briefest bit of red came across her cheeks
"Then if its all the same to you, I'm more than happy to just keep spending the rest of the night with a really great person." Naruto said as he was more than happy to just stargaze with Gaara
"That sounds lovely, Naruto." Garra said as the two continued to eat their snacks and stargaze up at the chilling January night
'I can't explain it, but I truly do feel incredible when I am with Naruto.' Gaara said as she wound up snuggling up closer to Naruto during their time together
(1 week later, January 11th, 998 S.E, Konoha, 12:04 Pm)
Meanwhile, time would continue to pass as Kazushi's genin were battling it out against one of her Predaplants, or at least they were before a condor made of black and white ink came swooping down towards Kazushi; where it dropped off a scroll in her lap that she quickly read through.
"Alright, you three it looks like we're cutting this short for today." Kazushi told her genin who were busy fighting her Predaplant Slaughter-Lotus
"Wait, why?!" Sakura asked as she kept punching the gryphon-like Predaplant in the face
"Because, I just got a scroll from Kakashi requesting back up in Wave Country. Apparently, he and his team of misfits have gotten into trouble." Kazushi answered back as she dispelled her Predaplant causing it to implode in a concussive burst of plant matter and roots
"How bad is it, Kazushi-sensei? Surely they couldn't have gotten themselves in that much trouble." Sasuke wondered
"Not only were they assaulted by Zabuza Momochi of all people, but apparently they are ten toes deep into what their client neglected to mention was Gato's territory. So right now they're pretty fucked since Kakashi got hit pretty bad." Kazushi informed her team of the condensed version of things
"Wait, so you mean to tell me that those idiots and Kakashi are stuck deep in enemy territory; with one of the 7 Swordsmen around?...Man they really must've pissed someone off really bad in a past life for this to happen." Sakura near-repeated in regards to the current situation
"Yup, so we're going to need to pack our bags; because this is gonna be one helluva ride we're in for." Kazushi said knowing this was going to be a long one
"So we have an army of goons, ronin and whatever else at Gato's disposal, on top of having to contend with Gato himself; who is known for being a crafty businessman is also known for being able to control water on a level equal to a Kage or even beyond that. Not to mention the rumors of his being able to turn into some kind of sea monster, we definitely have a full plate on our hands." Sasuke said listing off all of what they'd have to deal with
"Hey, we've come out on top before with bullshit. I'm sure we can do it again." Sakura said back confident they could come out on top against Gato and his forces
"Indeed, yet we also have to consider Naruto's siblings as a factor. Considering that with how egotistical they are, I doubt they will let us handle this as per normal." Sasuke remarked knowing that the arrogance of the twin jinchuuriki would not let them be sidelined
"Too bad, they're gonna sit there and stay put. They had their chance to not fuck up, and head back and let some jonin take over. Since this shit sounds more like a fucking A-rank than anything. So as far as I'm concerned they are grounded for the duration of the mission while we're there." Kazushi spoke her usually jovial persona being much more hard-lined in regards to what was at stake
Seeing as how from the Wood Release user's perspective, Kakashi's team had their chance to not fuck the situation up and make it a clean get too and protect their client, but now that a Swordsman of the Mist was involved among Gato's hordes running around in their clients' home. So in the moment they got there, that as far as Kazushi was concerned that the Wave mission was now hers and her dumbass kids's to handle, and she didn't care if she had to bind them both in manacles, muzzles, and restraints made from her bloodline; but she was not gonna let those two mess up something this perilous.
"At the very least, make them sturdy enough so that they won't do anything too extreme…Given that with Toshiro being as unstable as he is, and Mizore being as attention/glory-seeking as she is. Then I would very strongly caution having wood clones on standby should they do something reckless." Sasuke responded knowing that it would be prudent to do so
"Good idea, Sasuke. I will definitely keep that in mind, for when we get there." Kazushi said before turning her attention towards Naruto
"What about you, Naruto? You've been pretty quiet about this." Kazushi asked her cousin
"Well, it's more the fact that I had a vision awhile back telling me where one of the plates were; that I'm after. And one of them just so happens to be in Wave Country." Naruto told his sensei and teammates
"Oh great, then we get a free power-up for you on top of everything else! Everybody wins here." Sakura said seeing a major bonus to them going to Wave
"Yeah, only one problem with that…Since you mentioned Gato having crazy water powers, and being able to potentially turn into a sea monster on top of that, and the Plate I'm after being in Wave. So i've got a good feeling that Gato has that particular Plate." Naruto said back to his sister
"Which is why if things go south, and we do have to fight Gato. Then things are gonna get rough and really fast for us, if he's as strong as I'm thinking." Naruto further spoke knowing that Gato was a sleeper powerhouse laying in wait if he had the Splash Plate in his possession
"If it does come to that being the case, then we will be ready to assist you in whatever way possible. We are your teammates Naruto. So no matter what may come our way, we handle it together in whatever we can." Sasuke said to the superhuman blonde
"Sasuke's right on this one. If we gotta go in up to our necks in shit against Gato, who might be a roided out sea monster-man. Then we will do whatever we can to help you fuck shit up…We're in this together numbnuts." Sakura told her brother with a grin of full assurance for ultra-violence
"You already know how I feel, Naruto. I'm just happy to help you get as strong as possible." Was Kazushi's only response
"And I appreciate it you guys, since we have our hands full and then some with this one." Naruto replied knowing that this wasn't gonna be a cake-walk by any stretch of the imagination
"Then let whatever is in Wave come when we make our arrival. They will all fall the same, as anyone else who meets us in combat." Sasuke said with a small grin on his face
"Alright, Sasuke, I like that energy you got there! I'm gonna need you to keep that up once we head out, because if we're gonna do this and do it right. Then I'm gonna need you guys to be on-board for maximum carnage!" Naruto responded as Sakura let a massive grin spread across her face
"You don't even have to convince me any further, Naruto. I will always be ready to start some shit." Sakura said ready to unleash hell
"Then what are we waiting for everybody! Let's get to packin' and move out!" Naruto said as everyone nodded before heading out
"Hey, Naruto. If it comes too it that Gato's some roided out monster man with one of those Plates. I think I've got an idea on how we can take him out." Kazushi said to Naruto with a grin
"What do you got in mind, Kazu?" Naruto questioned
"Maybe a little combining your powers with my Venom Dragons if you're up for it?" Kazushi asked as her grin grew wider and Naruto soon had a smile grow across his face
"That sounds epic, and I'm totally here for it!" Naruto said with an excited grin over the idea
"Awesome! Then we can talk about that and more once we get to Wave." Kazushi replied as Naruto nodded in agreement before running off
'Man our 1st A-rank mission…this is gonna be something' else.' Kazushi remarked to herself knowing that what was too come was going to be of epic proportions
So with the mission to Wave kicking off to a 'fine' start, Team Kazushi after being sent a call for help from Kakashi to assist them against Gato's forces who have a stranglehold in Wave, now prepare for an all-out battle against the man that wields the power of the Splash Plate? How will Naruto fare in the upcoming battle against the tycoon who controls the waters of said country? Find out in the all new chapters of, Naruto: The Pokesage!
Alright, that takes care of that, as I hope you guys enjoy the start to the Wave arc, as things are gonna be considerably different given that Gato in this arc is gonna actually be a threat this time around. So expect for him to be the legit final boss for this instead of Zabuza this time around. . Beyond that I am glad to see that everyone still enjoys this story so far, as it is an absolute blast for me to write, and that being said I hope that everyone will continue to support the story; for every favorite, follow and review counts.
Also since I haven't really updated what plates are where and who has them, in the past number of chapters I will remedy that now.
Naruto's Plates: Fist Plate, Zap Plate, Flame Plate, Blank Plate, Toxic Plate, Meadow Plate, Spooky Plate, Dread Plate, Earth Plate.
Orochimaru's Plates: Draco Plate, Iron Plate, Pixie Plate, Insect Plate, Stone Plate.
Fu's Plates: Sky Plate
Remaining Plates: Icicle Plate, Current Location: Spring Country, Legend Plate: Current Location: Land of Demons.
Following that, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. Given that next up is Part 2 of the Wave Arc ahead, so stay tuned for all of that good stuff.
Part 2 Theme Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint
Random End Song: Crashing Around You by Machine Head
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: The effects won't really be showing up until we get to the Chunin Exams, but believe me they will be prevalent considering that Giratina and Darkrai essentially corrupted all natural chakra in and out of Mt. Myoboku where they did their 'surprise', and so that area is essentially on quarantine at the moment. Oh trust me, Sakon and Ukon were actually the safest options for who Tayuya could've been caught by, as had it been anyone else and god forbid Kabuto who found out...then it would've been both her and Kin who would be sent off to be experimented on without a peep, since Kabuto is that combination off efficient and petty. Also, Iwa's fallout will be touched upon in future events in the story as a heads up since Orochimaru's plans for the fallen village are still underway, and on top of that you can't really blame Roshi and Han considering that by all metric they've put in over 30+ years of service to their home. So for Oonoki to not only spit in the face of that and deny it too them, but also try and sell them out to the Akatsuki and you can't really blame them for siding with Orochimaru...And glad you got the reference for how I came up with Tayuya's punishment given that in a village full of sound, a place where time is your worst enemy and you cannot hear anything but silence is a new kind of hell on its own. Lastly, Kazushi would love the hell out of Naruko considering that it would be a matter of "Finally, someone who likes being a menace almost as much as me!" And as such would pretty much have the sensei dynamic with her that Gojo has with Itadori if I were to give a hypothetical explanation on it.
Guest: Glad you caught the reference, and trust me Project Ghidorah shenanigans will be abound in future chapters :)
Starravenwolf: I am so happy that you and everyone else are liking these chapters, as I really wanted to show that the Sound ninja are very much on top of it, since while I don't show them as often as everyone else; I still want to keep it real that they are very much a presence that is gonna change the turnout of the Invasion. Also, I will be saving that particular idea with Naruto and Orochimaru for later on, and furthermore with Kin...That's one of those things that probably will happen for the simple fact that despite how much I've humanized Orochimaru, that Orochimaru's cruel streak hasn't gone away seeing as how Tayuya very much pissed them off with what she tried to do in butting in to the Iwagakure invasion. And so as far as Orochimaru is concerned; they see it as "I may not be able to hurt you directly, but I can still hurt you where it counts the most" so it isn't anything personal, it is just one of those things where Orochimaru has decided that this is one of the only ways that Tayuya is gonna learn that she doesn't get to get away with everything anymore.
God of Wind 200: Here's the thing in that the problem with him doing that every 5 minutes is that as we've seen when he absorbs a plate; he basically unleashes a calamity on whatever area he does on that continually increases in scale and power with every absorption. So it isn't for a lack of the fact that he couldn't, but moreso that even Naruto is aware of the fact that if he does a continuous absorption in such a short sequence that its gonna cause a whole lot of problems and as such spaces them out so that things won't get compounded into fucking up things around him more than what it already does...That and even Naruto's body for how strong it is has its limits, and I doubt that even it can take doing stuff like that and changing on a biological level at a rapid-fire pace from what you are getting at can take it without their being negative side effects.
Darth Diabolos: While their will be resistance on Kurosutchi's end; given that this is still the same person who basically gave the order to destroy nearly all of her home and kill her loved ones at the same time; that she's pretty much left with no choice BUT to follow along with Orochimaru's demands that will be explained in a few chapters. Actually, Ozai from what I've got planned will confront them both before the Chunin Exams, seeing as how to him he wants to make this clear before one of the biggest events in his country takes place, since to him they have gotten away scot-free for too long...Furthermore, the Charizard idea sounds too hilarious and believe me I have felt that ain as well because its just one of those...REALLY?! Moments that always bothered me growing up when I found out that Charizard isn't a fire/dragon type but the fact that I'm actually taller than its official height. And thanks for the compliment my guy, I really appreciate it.
