Naruto: Tornado of Souls
Sideshow at Otafuku Gai
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I've been working on this one in bits and pieces for months and finally polished it out. Here is chapter 20. Enjoy!
Last time:
After the fight, Hinata was patching up Kiba properly. "You are very lucky this was just a flesh wound Kiba-kun. When we get to the Rice Country border, we need a medic nin to have a look at this. I've cleaned it well, but we can't risk an infection." She gave him a blood pill and said, "Take this and ride with Nobuyuki-san the rest of the way."
Shino was reporting to Kurenai. "Seventeen of the Reapers are dead and the remaining five are badly injured. Should we bring them with us or abandon them?"
Kurenai answered, "I'll talk to Nobuyuki-san. If we can, we'll load the injured onto the flatbed cart and haul them in under arrest. The seventeen bodies we'll seal in some scrolls to collect the bounties later. "These Reapers had big prices on their heads according to the bingo books. What about the horses?"
"The men of the caravan collected up nine of them." said Shino. "The remainder fled or died of injuries."
"Shame about the animals." thought Kurenai aloud. "Once we get everything secured, I'll talk to Nobuyuki-san and we'll get back underway."
…
Both Team 7 and Team 8 had earned their pay that day…
…
Chapter 20
Fire Country, Otafuku Gai
Team 7 was relaxing at the Mitsubachi Inn. The adrenalin rush from earlier that day had worn off and they were worn out. After the grisly task of collecting the heads of the missing nins they'd killed the group went to the Bounty Station in Otafuku Gai and turned in their prisoners. They also collected the bounties on their targets. Kakashi questioned the two runaway Rain genins and as Team 7 suspected they had nothing to do with the bandit raids in the north. Once the situation was explained, the authorities at Otafuku Gai quickly dispatched teams of laborers to recover the stolen goods from the boathouse on Kurai Lake. After that Kakashi took his tired team to the inn to rest and recover.
The Mitsubachi Inn had a restaurant and bar attached to it and Kakashi found himself very amused at the rate his team was eating. They were all starving. The silver haired jonin said, "You three are acting like you've been on a religious fast for a month. Slow down and enjoy the food."
Blake looked up from her third helping of sushi and said, "Considering that we did most of the work it's no wonder we're starving Kakashi-sensei!"
Naruto was eating oden with Pyrrha. He said between bites, "We traipsed all over Fire Country before we came here to eat. It was like a religious fast. We're ninja, not monks!"
Pyrrha refilled her dish and said politely, "I'm forced to agree with Naruto-kun and Blake-chan. We should have eaten hours ago."
Kakashi swiped some of Blake's sushi which made her growl at him. He said with a double eye smile, "You guys were all filthy dirty. I was tempted to eat but given I was the only one presentable it would have been bad manners to eat inside while you all starved outside."
"You could have brought some takeout food to us, sensei!" growled all three genin as one.
"You know, that's an excellent idea kids." said Kakashi thoughtfully. "Shame I didn't think about it hours ago."
The three genin sweat dropped and Pyrrha said, "You are incorrigible sensei."
"Why thank you Pyrrha-chan." said Kakashi brightly. "I do try." Pyrrha just face palmed and went back to her meal…
…
Northern Fire Country
Team 8 and Nobuyuki's Caravan were making good time though the sun was starting to set. The old man chuckled at the bored looking Kiba who was riding with him. "Kiba; I thought you kids were all talk but since you took out the Reapers, I feel like I can relax and actually enjoy this trip."
Kiba looked a bit nonplussed. "Well Nobuyuki Jiji, there's still three days before we make it to our destination. We can't afford to drop our guards." 'Damn I wish I could be up running around with Akamaru. Hinata-chan and Kurenai-sensei are really being strict with me over this shoulder injury.' the Inuzuka boy pouted mentally.
Nobuyuki smiled and said, "You'll be up and around before you know it Kiba. The ladies are mother-henning you just because they care. My wife does the same thing to me when I'm sick or hurt. Just sit back and take it easy."
"I wish it was that easy." grumped Kiba. "Kurenai-sensei might as well have eyes in the back of her head and Hinata-chan basically does."
"At least they're both quite easy on the eyes." said the old man as he waggled his shaggy eyebrows.
Kiba sweat dropped. "Hinata-chan is like a sister to me and Kurenai is my sensei…For all that matter they're both way too young for you dirty old man!"
Nobuyuki's laughter carried across the caravan…
Kurenai radioed her students. "The sun is starting to set. We're going to break for camp soon so be on the lookout for an area that is easily defendable."
Hinata saw the orange in the sky as the sun set and thought of Naruto. 'I wonder how Naruto-kun is doing…' Activating her byakugan; the Hyūga heiress saw a hill beyond the next ridge they could camp at. "I see a hill about a kilometer ahead of us Kurenai sensei." she said over the radio. "There is a large area of high ground that would be good to camp at."
Kurenai replied, "Excellent. Once we get there, we'll set up some basic defenses and see about hunting down some dinner."
"Can Akamaru and I do the hunting?" asked Kiba hopefully over the radio.
"NO KIBA!" replied Kurenai and Hinata in unison.
The dog ninja just pouted as he cried anime tears at the injustice of it all…
…
Otafuku Gai, Mitsubachi Inn
Kakashi got two rooms for Team 7. One was for him and Naruto and the other for Blake and Pyrrha. Naruto was quite annoyed because Kakashi swept him into their room before the orange loving ninja could give his girlfriends a proper goodnight consisting of a short make out session with each of them. 'Damn it Kakashi sensei; I hardly even got to wave at them!' he thought mutinously. Kakashi and Naruto were lying in twin beds with a small table with a reading lamp between them. Kakashi was quietly giggling to himself as he was reading his Icha Icha Paradise by lamp light. Naruto then turned the light out on his teacher and said, "Goodnight Kakashi-sensei!" in a tone far too chipper to be normal.
Kakashi sighed and put his book away in the dark. "You know I was at a particular juicy passage when you turned out the light Naruto."
"I can't sleep with your constant giggling sensei." retorted Naruto. "Go to sleep."
"…So, which one of your teammates do you like the best Naruto?" asked Kakashi innocently. "I noticed you pay a lot of attention to both of them…in more ways than one."
Naruto blushed red as a tomato in the darkness. "Shut up sensei! Go to sleep!" whispered the blonde loudly.
Kakashi giggled. "Oh, I see…you can't make up your mind. Well, my advice is-"
Naruto said in a strangled tone, "If you don't be quiet and go to sleep, I will burn your entire book collection when we get back to Konoha!"
"But Naruto-" started the silver haired jonin.
"Not. One. More. Word. Kakashi. Sensei." bit out Naruto as he buried his head in the pillow.
Kakashi smiled to himself and silently chuckled. 'If I go ahead and tell him to always use protection Naruto will probably try to kill me in my sleep…It's almost worth the risk…'
While Kakashi was terrorizing his only male student, his two female students were quietly conversing in the next room over. They too were in their beds with the light on in between them as they chatted. Blake's amber eyes were narrowed. "If I didn't know better, I'd say Kakashi-sensei knows we are both in relationships with Naruto-kun. I wanted my kiss goodnight."
Pyrrha had her head propped up on her arm. "I know what you mean; Naruto-kun's goodnight kisses always make me feel warm inside." She pondered for a moment. "But you are right about Kakashi-sensei. He's extremely intelligent so I could see him figuring us out. We're always together off duty as well after all. Usually Hinata-chan is too."
"It's hard to believe Hinata-chan was our hated enemy in the past." said the cat eared girl. "Considering what happened between you and her; I believe you are the most forgiving person I have ever met Pyrrha-chan."
Pyrrha shook her head. "Hinata isn't Cinder but sometimes she says our does things that show she still has a dark side. It gives me chills even though she is my friend now. Other times she is really fun. It's kind of strange now that I think about it."
"Our whole situation is strange generally speaking." said Blake. "I never would have predicted our souls travelling to another place after we died." Deciding they needed to sleep, the feline faunus clicked off the light and snuggled into her pillow. "Pleasant dreams Pyrrha-chan…"
"Good night, Blake-chan." replied the redhead with a yawn.
The girls settled in for a much-needed rest…
…
Konoha, Yamanaka Residence
Ino was in her shower feeling the cascade of warm water as it ran down her body. The blonde had her blue eyes closed as she cupped her right breast with her left hand and her right hand made its way down between her legs. She moaned, "…Naruto-kun…" as she lost herself in her fantasy…
Naruto gently ran his hands all over Ino's body and she felt flushed from the intimate contact as he stroked her nether regions with his hand. Ino gasped at the sensations as her lover leaned in and kissed her passionately against the shower wall. His tongue entered her mouth and teased and caressed her own tongue into reciprocating every delicious sensation. She reached up and started caressing his chest and reveled in the feeling of his smooth skin over rock hard muscles. As the blonde kunoichi reached up around his neck their kiss deepened, and she could feel his manhood rubbing heatedly up against her.
The blonde kunoichi gasped as Naruto's hand stroking her nether regions increased the pace and pushed her over the edge. She moaned erotically into his mouth as he withdrew his fingers making her whimper. She stared into his eyes and said, "I want you now Naruto-kun…."
The steam rising in the shower and the cascade of flowing water had them both perspiring and Ino licked the sweat off his neck and ran her tongue up his jaw line. She wanted to taste her lover and found herself caressing him with her tongue as a cat would lick up cream. She smiled hungrily as his erection grew harder against her and Ino reached down to caress his shaft. Naruto hissed her name as she stroked him until he was standing rock hard.
Naruto leaned the Yamanaka heiress back against the shower wall and gripped her hips. She looked down excitedly as she used her small hand to guide her paramour into her womanhood. She gasped at the sensations of being stretched so much and Naruto slowly started moving up and down in slow strokes. Her breasts were rubbing against his chest with a tantalizing amount of friction. Ino was moaning in time with his thrusts as Naruto penetrated deeper and deeper into her wanting body…
Ino whispered, "Faster Naruto-kun; I want it all…" Naruto quickly cupped her rear and lifted Ino up with his strong arms. Ino quickly put her arms back around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. They were both panting now as they kissed each other wantonly in between strokes. Ino's eyes widened with passion and her breath quickened as she was driven closer and closer to the edge. She was gasping for more air and the heat had her soul afire. Finally, her body exploded into pure ecstasy as she screamed her lover's name at the top of her lungs…
Ino opened her eyes and felt the juice running down her shaky legs and onto her right hand. The blood was rushing through her causing her body to shake and the blonde kunoichi slowly slid down the shower wall behind her into a squatting position. The water from the shower splashed around Ino and soothed her as she steadied herself and her heart started slowing down finally. She whispered, "Naruto-kun…You are amazing…"
…
Northern Fire Country
Later, Hinata relieved her teammate Shino from sentry duty at 3 AM. An insect landed on his finger and Shino said quietly, "My allies and I haven't spotted any movement at all in the last three hours Hinata-chan. I believe your shift should be equally as peaceful."
"Let's hope so." said Hinata. "Get some sleep Shino-kun." Shino half waved and tiredly went to the tent he shared with Kiba. Hinata looked up at the stars and thought of her Father Hiashi. 'I hope to see to see you soon Father, Hoheto-san informed me via letter that you were injured but are well now. I'm sure there is a story behind it, but I didn't tell Hanabi-chan because it would have worried her greatly. This war isn't completely over until you and all the Konoha shinobi come home safe and in one piece. I know there have been losses but we of the Hyūga Clan have been blessed with no serious casualties.' Her byakugan eyes turned to flame and she smiled rather viciously in the darkness. 'I can't wait to roast the Hyūga Elders. That omiai they arranged for me is going to land them in the bowels of hell.'
As her shift on sentry duty went by, Hinata was very alert of her surroundings, but her thoughts were drifting. 'I wonder how Hanabi-chan is doing.' wondered Hinata. The Hyūga Heiress worried that the Elders might do something stupid in her absence but concluded that her concern was unwarranted. 'She's probably fast asleep in bed with Genma; her stuffed panda.' Hinata could see Hanabi snuggled up in bed in her mind's eye and smiled.
Hinata's thoughts then drifted to Naruto and all the X-rated things she could be doing with him now. Fighting back a slight nosebleed Hinata looked up at the crescent moon and thought, 'What are you up to right now Naruto-kun? Maybe you're playing an epic prank. I can't wait to show you those pictures of the Elders in their bald glory.' Hinata was chuckling daintily to herself when she saw one of Nobuyuki's men get up to use the nearby bushes…Then he tripped over another man and fell on his face and peed all over himself and his friend in the process. 'Oh, my gawd. What a klutz. I'll just pretend I didn't see that.' she thought to herself.
The rest of the night went peacefully for the Byakugan Princess as she thought about her clan mates and friends and wondered if they were all sleeping well…
…
Otafuku Gai, Mitsubachi Inn
Kakashi and his team got up for an early breakfast and went to the bar and eatery next door to the Mitsubachi Inn. Unfortunately, they found another group of ninja there, ones from Iwa. The leader of the Iwa group saw Kakashi and said, "You're the bastard that blew up the Kannabi Bridge!"
The other three Earth Country ninja stood up immediately and Kakashi said, "Mah, mah, calm down. That's ancient history. The Third Shinobi War is over, and the dead have long been laid to rest."
The leader growled, "I lost two of my teammates. I was just a genin!"
The silver haired sensei was sweating but replied calmly, "I lost a teammate too."
"There is a huge price on your head in Iwa, Hatake Kakashi." said the leader with a gleam in his eye. "Killing you off would pay a hell of a lot more than this courier mission."
As the Konoha jonin tried to diffuse the situation, all the Iwa ninja were reaching for their weapons.
'It's for on four. He looks like a jonin leading a genin team like I am.' thought Kakashi. 'If this breaks out into a fight-'
"GET THEM!" roared the Iwa jonin as he drew two kunai.
'Well, shit.' thought Hatake as everything exploded at once.
Naruto kicked the wooden table up on its side to act as a shield against the incoming Iwa kunai and shuriken while Kakashi body-flickered to the opposite side of the bar behind the enraged Iwa ninja team. The Iwa jonin was the only one that realized Hatake vanished in time to avoid the crossfire when Kakashi and his team counterattacked. The three Iwa genin were bisected horizontally faster than they could react by a wind cutter jutsu courtesy of Naruto. Blood sprayed everywhere and gore was flying as the civilians dived for cover.
Having avoided the wind cutter, the Iwa jonin went to charge the three Konoha genin when he was hit with a raikiri from behind by the silver haired sensei of Team 7. It went right through his heart and the Iwa jonin spat out hatefully, "God…damn…you…Kakashi…" before he fell over dead.
Several civilians got sick and threw up at the horrific sight of the dismembered bodies scattered all over the bar which only made the mess that much worse. The pub was basically a charnel house and Kashi said lamely, "It's okay now, the bad guys are dead…Ummm, sorry about the mess…"
All three of his genin sweat dropped…
…
Rice Country, Orochimaru's Northern Headquarters
While Team 7 was doing damage control, Kabuto was making his morning rounds and smelled blood and antiseptics wafting out of the showers. When he entered them found something strange. There was blood spattered on the mirror. Not masses of blood either. 'The women were the last in here….' It was as if someone was carefully doing surgery from the smell, but Kabuto had no idea why. His immediate thought went towards his rather unstable apprentice Sakura, but she didn't have enough mastery to be doing anything too advanced. 'She just got back for all that matter…' He had her studying skin grafting and surface healing techniques currently but unless she was practicing on herself Kabuto simply couldn't fathom what the hell Sakura was doing now. The Mystic palm jutsu was very limited after all. She also was learning Chakra scalpels.
'Could the girl have masochistic tendencies and is hiding it? Somehow it honestly wouldn't surprise me…' thought the puzzled medic. That's when he found something else. "An eye?" he thought aloud. "What is part of an eye doing here?!" That's when Kabuto realized it was a part of a sheep's eye. He sighed. 'Sakura-chan and Karin-chan are the only ones that have access to my lab aside of Orochimaru-sama of course…I'll have to see if any of the eyes I have stored for experimentation have been taken.'
Over the next couple of hours Kabuto carefully inventoried the supplies in his lab. He'd found out some things missing and decided that talking to Sakura directly would be the best choice of action. It turned out she was very interested in how the sharingan worked and had been studying animal eyes of her own accord. This was an immense relief to Kabuto. 'I thought she'd gone over the deep end...' he thought dourly.
Flashback...
"I'm sorry Kabuto-sensei, I was studying a way to cut down the chakra cost for my sharingan and didn't ask permission to use your lab." said the pink haired girl shyly. "I was studying eyes, and I was afraid you would think it was a waste of time."
'It seems her more positive side is interested in medicine.' thought Kabuto. "Sakura-chan, you are free to study whatever you wish. If you are curious then simply let me know. I'll be happy to guide you on your path. I am your sensei after all. If I didn't help you quench your thirst for knowledge, then I wouldn't be much of a teacher, would I?" Kabuto smiled soothingly and said, "I found blood in the showers by the way. You haven't cut yourself by accident, have you? I know you are mastering the Chakra scalpel and Mystic palm, but I don't want you hurting yourself."
Sakura looked shocked. Her visible green eye was full of surprise. "I'd never cut myself sensei! I'm still learning how to heal fish you know." 'Of course, that wouldn't stop me from cutting others...' she thought darkly. "May I ask you something Kabuto-sensei?"
"Of course, Sakura-chan, what is it?" Kabuto asked his disciple.
"It occurred to me that a contact lens covering my sharingan might look a bit less obvious than this eye patch." said the rosette. "Would it be possible to make my sharingan appear to be my original green? I know they make contacts especially for the Hyūgas and I wondered if the Uchihas had something similar. It would be useful to hide my sharingan in plain sight you know. They could even be used by Sasuke-kun if you think about it."
Kabuto looked thoughtful. "So, you want to create a chakra conductive contact lens to turn your sharingan on and off?" Seeing Sakura nodding hopefully Kabuto said, "That's...quite brilliant Sakura-chan! Such a lens could hide any implanted doujutsu really. It would have to be made of the materials of an actual eye of course..."
"That's why I was studying those sheep's eyes sensei." said Sakura.
Kabuto shook his head. "While it's admirable you've already taken these steps it would be best to clone a human eye."
"What about my original eye that was removed to put Kakashi's sharingan in?" asked Sakura. "If we clone a few of them, couldn't we make these contacts from them? By making copies of the original user's eyes there would be no cellular rejection, correct?"
Flashback end...
Since then, Kabuto had been diligently teaching his apprentice in the medical arts. After explaining Sakura's rather brilliant idea for custom made chakra contact lenses to Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin was very impressed with young Sakura and gave them the go ahead. 'It seems that Sakura's erratic behavior is under control when she's doing medical work. Her intellect overrides her emotional instabilities. I wish she was the same way outside the lab. When she's with Sasuke her mood shifts seem to be worse.'
...
Three days later Sakura was looking at the second perfect green eye contact lens she'd just finished. 'And this is my first step towards freedom...' thought her darker half. 'I need to start making more skin grafts as well. Good thing Sasuke-baka is too stupid to look closely at night. Of course, he's so into himself that he might as well fuck me while staring at a mirror. Gods I can't wait to leave him and go to Naruto-kun.'
Sakura thought shrilly, 'Don't talk about Sasuke-kun that way you evil bitch. How dare you compare him with Naruto-baka!'
The darker half growled, 'Are you kidding me Sakura?! Sasuke is a weak and spineless worm. Guren can play handball with him for all I care. Now Naruto-kun on the other hand…'
'Naruto-baka is worthless!' shrieked Sakura. 'If I was in control-'
'But you're not in control anymore!' Her darker half laughed. 'How does it feel Sakura-chan? What's it like to be locked up tight in a prison of your own making instead of controlling me? The curse seal is nearly absorbed, and you'll die with it. You have no idea how much I'm going to enjoy that! If you still exist when I'm riding Naruto-kun I'll give you a front row seat!' "Hahahaha!" Sakura laughed out loud at her other half's squeals of anger.
"You seem excited Sakura-chan." said Kabuto as he walked into the lab.
Sakura beamed at him. "It's hard not to be Kabuto-sensei. Look at this lens! It's nearly perfect."
Kabuto looked over his apprentice's shoulder at her work. "Outstanding Sakura-chan!" he said. "We're getting closer by the day."
Looking over at Kabuto with a smile Sakura thought darkly, 'It would be so easy to cut that misshapen head of yours off those stooped shoulders Kabuto-sensei. I've even found a suitable weapon…but you still have your uses to me for now...'
...
Fire Country/Rice Country Border
Early in the morning, Team 8 and Nobuyuki's caravan came rolling into the camp where many of the refugees from Rice Country were staying. Judging by the cheers they were very welcome. It was there that Kurenai saw her old academy friend Mitarashi Anko. "Nai-chan!" said the Snake Mistress with a wave. "You guys are right on time."
Kurenai smiled and said, "It's good to see you Anko. Can we get a medic? My genin Inuzuka Kiba took an arrow to the shoulder."
"How bad is it?" asked Anko concerned.
The red-eyed jonin smiled. "I think he'll be fine, but we need an actual medic to look it over. It's just a flesh wound."
Anko nodded and signaled for a medic. "How long are you going to be here?" asked the purple-haired jonin.
"We're supposed to be here two days and then escort a caravan back to Konoha." said Kurenai. "I wasn't told why refugees are going to Konoha specifically though."
"It's not all refugees." said Morino Ibiki as he strode up. "Several former ninja and kunoichi of Oto have submitted to join Konoha's forces. You'll also be travelling with several Konoha ninja that are rotating home."
Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "What do they need Team 8 for then?"
Ibiki answered, "Several are sick or injured and need more than a field hospital. You and you team can consider yourselves an insurance policy for the caravan."
"Got it." said Kurenai as she waved her team over.
…
An hour later the caravan was being unloaded and Hinata caught a glimpse of someone she wanted to see…her Father. After getting permission from Kurenai, Hinata went over to see Hiashi. "Father, it is good to see you." said Hinata with genuine happiness in her voice.
Hiashi blinked and said, "Hinata-chan!" as he engulfed her in a hug. He shed a tear. "I've missed you my baby girl."
Hinata pulled back and looked her Father over. "You must have had a rough time. I am glad to see you are safe and well."
The Hyūga Patriarch looked his daughter over and despite her revealing battle dress he said, "You look well Hinata-chan. I am glad to see you but what are you doing out here?"
"I am an active duty kunoichi Father." said Hinata with a warm smile. "Team 8 got an escort mission to bring a supply caravan up here. We are going to head back with a return caravan in two days so hopefully we will be able to spend some time together."
Hiashi smiled softly at his beautiful daughter and said, "We'll make time. I'm going home on that caravan." He hugged his daughter again and said, "I want to spend more time with both you and Hanabi-chan from now on…"
…
Otafuku Gai
For three long days Kakashi and his genins had searched the roads high and low for a second set of bandits in the forests north of Otafuku Gai and found absolutely nothing. The caravans were moving again and there had been no attacks since Team 7's battle at Kurai Lake. Eventually Kakashi took his team back to the town. They were looking forward to heading back to Konoha but decided to check in with the authorities to see if any other sightings were reported. When they arrived in town there were all kinds of crazy rumors flying around about someone trying to assassinate the local Lord Tomi-sama who was a vassal directly to the Fire Daimyo. The samurai at the gates to Otafuku Gai immediately told Kakashi that Team 7 was summoned to Tomi-sama's residence to speak with him.
After traipsing across town Naruto, Blake and Pyrrha were staring at the lavish mansion home that Tomi-sama had. Kakashi sweat dropped and said, "It seems that Tomi-sama has done well for himself here in Otafuku Gai. I wasn't aware such an opulent home existed here."
"Opulent is a good word for it sensei." said Pyrrha as they looked at the three story pagoda-like mansion. The decorations on the home glinted with gold and ivory trimmings in the afternoon sunlight and the guards there looked to be dressed in parade uniforms rather than combat ones.
Kakashi led them over to the wrought iron gate and said to the guards there, "I'm Hatake Kakashi and this is my team. We were summoned to appear before Tomi-sama."
The guard snapped a quick salute to Kakashi and said, "Tomi-sama is eagerly awaiting you." Then he looked at the genin. "Ummm…these are kids. Where is your team that slew those awful missing ninjas up at Kurai Lake?"
The silver haired jonin sweat dropped and his three genin glared angrily. "These kids are the team that wiped out those missing nins. My genin are quite formidable and I would appreciate it if you treated them with proper respect."
The guard fidgeted for a moment when the genin team's glares started to get to him. "Ah, of course. I meant no disrespect. Please follow me and I'll announce you."
…
Kakashi and Team 7 were soon in the rather extravagant meeting chambers of Tomi-sama. After they all bowed appropriately to the Lord, Kakashi said, "Tomi-sama; we came as soon as we heard from the gate guards that you summoned us. How can we Konoha ninjas be of service to you?"
Naruto looked at the foppish 'Lord' in front of them and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 'Lilly white hands that don't look like he's worked a day of his life. He probably spends more on manicures than I do for food and utilities each month.'
The Lord was sweating nervously and said, "I am glad to see you have arrived Hatake-san. Your reputation precedes you and your team. The guilds of Otafuku Gai are ever so thankful that you handled that dreadful business up at Kurai Lake." Tomi-sama fanned himself and his eyes were looking around fearfully. "I'm not sure if you are aware of this but the last two nights an assassin has been after my person. I have sent notice to the esteemed Hokage but as your team is already here and obviously quite capable, I would ask that you hunt for this man in the interim…"
Soon the aristocrat wove a fantastical tale of a superhuman assassin that was stalking his every move. It was painfully obvious that Tomi-sama was completely paranoid. Worst of all he always wanted Kakashi within arm's length of him. Kakashi sweat dropped and realized this was a real mess. He turned to his team and said, "It appears that I'm going to be on guard duty along with a couple of shadow clones. I'm counting on you three to investigate and do patrols during the night. I will get a message out to Hokage-sama and see what he wants us to do." Then he whispered so only genin could hear. "Our biggest obstacle in this case may be the client himself. Be careful and work as a team while I babysit."
Naruto, Blake and Pyrrha travelled around the mansion under the direction of a bunch of paranoid guards to investigate the way the assassin broke in the two previous nights. "These guys are as likely to attack us or each other if they are this high strung." said Naruto to the girls. It was obvious the orange-loving ninja was less than impressed.
Pyrrha nodded. "I agree Naruto-kun. We will need to practice caution when we are patrolling after dark tonight."
Soon they were on the roof where a hatch was broken into. "So, he hopped from the stone wall over that statue and onto the roof ledge." said Blake as she looked at the probable path. "Then he picked the lock and made his way in."
"It's easy enough." said Naruto in agreement. "You could make those leaps just with parkour; chakra wouldn't even be necessary."
Pyrrha walked over to the edge of the roof and said, "The person landed here. There is a smudge here left by a footprint."
One of the guards said, "Another one of those blasted things? We've had the cleaning and painting crews working on getting rid of them all day."
All three genin resisted the urge to smack the man. "That was evidence of the criminal's probable path. You've been erasing information that would help us stop this person."
"Well, be that as it may; Tomi-sama's house must be spotless." said the guard.
"Kill me now." muttered Naruto under his breath. The rest of the investigation proved equally fruitless. Any damage done to the mansion was considered vandalism and an affront to Tomi-sama so it was repaired or cleaned up as fast as humanly possible…
…
"The security around here is deficient at best and criminally negligent at worst." reported Pyrrha to Kakashi that evening. "The guards were chosen for their looks and parade abilities rather than their fighting skills. Appearance is everything to these people. They are all afraid of their own shadows. Even worse-"
"There's actually a worse?" asked Kakashi dourly.
Blake said, "Yes, there is a worse. A non-ninja could easily infiltrate this place using parkour skills and the most basic of lock picks. There are so many holes in the security that only a complete idiot would get caught. Talking to the guards they basically broke into a disorganized panic when the alarms went off. From what evidence there is left after repairs were made it seems there is indication of a sword user as well as a whip. The whip noises paralyzed almost everyone in the mansion in fear. They all thought it was explosives."
Kakashi was face palming by this point. "Is there anything else to add to this damning report?"
Naruto nodded. "We have no idea how Tomi-sama hasn't been killed till now. He's been skimming off most of the guilds in Otafuku Gai to ignore their indiscretions. Half the town probably would rather see him dead than alive. After his Father died he inherited the title and has been lining his pockets ever since then."
"We're protecting a crooked aristocrat that is doing everything in his power to get himself killed." summed up Blake nicely.
Kakashi just sighed. "I can tell this is going to be one long mission…"
…
POSTSCRIPT:
Next time we'll continue Team 7's adventure with Tomi-sama. See you next time. Blue out. 12/26/24