Yo,
I'm back with the next chapter of Change in Winds. The story will be updated on alternative Saturdays. So the next update will be on 2nd September. Thank you for your continued love and hope you share your feedback with me.
Enjoy.
Change in Winds
Chapter 13
The Darkness
With Team 7
"Chunin exams? Like the ones all villages shinobi participate in?" Sakura asked enthusiastically. As soon as they left the Kazekage Tower, she became chatty again and all members relaxed.
"Yes, Sakura. They are the same. I didn't expect the Kazekage to agree that quickly. Maybe he has something planned." Kakashi said with an eye smile.
"I think the red-haired kid is trouble. Speaking of which," Naruto looked upon a small house.
"Where are you looking, Naruto?" Sakura asked in confusion and followed his gaze. The said red-haired boy stood there, staring at them coldly. The half-covered man appeared beside him and said something to him. They both left.
"He seems rather curious about you, Naruto," Kakashi noted.
"Bugs me as well," Naruto replied as they continued to find something to eat. After trying many local varieties, Naruto ended with his favourite ramen and Team 7 was satisfied with their meals.
"What's next, Sensei?" Naruto asked in high spirits. He liked this place though it's hot and windy, he somehow liked it. Maybe because of the wind. He loves wind after all.
"We will report to Hokage," Kakashi said with a serious face. Team 7 turned to him in confusion as he suddenly turned serious. Team 7 looked up to an empty sand dune. Naruto noticed the abnormal wind blowing there. Sasuke also noticed after scanning the area with his Sharingan. Sakura is looking dumbly.
"How about I show you how to defend against a strong Wind user there?" Kakashi asked, surprising the trio. Kakashi is surprisingly cooperative with them, teaching them many things.
He looked around to check for something and Naruto knew he was counting the number of Anbu that were following them and also noticed how the area is just outside the village which doesn't push them into trouble with its shinobi.
"We are in, Sensei," Naruto said with an excited smile. Sasuke nodded his acknowledgement and Sakura followed, unable to deny.
They showed their IDs and moved out of the village and as their food supplies are full, they don't need to stop anywhere to stock them so it was a perfect time.
As they moved to the dune, they were bombarded with strong gusts of wind, which was so strong Sakura was almost blown away. Naruto made a single-hand sign with a slash of his hand, creating a barrier of wind around them.
"You are becoming an expert wind user, Naruto," Kakashi said in an impressed tone. 'He is so like Sensei,' he thought as he saw a shadow of an older blonde man.
With Naruto's barrier protecting them, they slowly made their way up to the other side of the dune where anyone can't see them. The Anbu following them were confused by this.
They have the equipment to look past the dune in case anyone tries to invade them, but not the other side of the dune itself. It was deemed a dangerous construct and the Kazekage didn't see any further security need there.
And so Team 7 was somehow in the blindspot of Suna where they couldn't be monitored. The news immediately reached the Kazekage who laughed and dismissed the team.
"So my dear sweet students, you should know some things when you face a wind user, take Naruto for example. First, its strengths and weaknesses. Wind is weaker against Fire but stronger against Lightning.
This also applies to other elements as well. Use the naturally stronger element when you are in a Ninjutsu fight if you can use it as it saves both your chakra and will give an advantage. Learning 1strong jutsu from all 5 elements is an asset for this reason." Kakashi said in his lecture mode and his students looked at him with wide eyes.
He is never one to explain something in this detail and this only proves the knowledge and experience their sensei had. They looked at him expectantly to which Kakashi nodded negatively.
"No, I won't teach you any jutsu now. First master your basic elemental training and then some. Then I'll think." Though they are disappointed, they like this side of their Sensei.
'They need to be strong to face that kid. He is definitely trouble if he participates in Chunin exams.' thought Kakashi.
"Then you-" he continued his teaching. With their newly gained knowledge, Team 7 started their journey back to Konoha, Naruto still holding the wind barrier around his team which didn't go unnoticed by 2 of the 3 members.
3 Days Later
Hokage Tower, Konoha
"Yes, I received Kazekage's message," Hiruzen said, acknowledging Kakashi's brief of the mission. Kakashi bowed, finishing his report.
"Surprisingly, we also got positive messages from Kumo, Kiri and a request to participate by Oto," Hiruzen said, smoking from his pipe.
"Oto?" Kakashi asked and Hiruzen nodded.
"Looks like a small shinobi village formed in Oto no Kuni with Daimyo's approval. Nothing much is known other than that." Hiruzen said while the whole Team 7 listened.
"Anyway, here is your mission payment for a successful mission. You are dismissed."
"Rest for the week. We will continue next week." Kakashi said and Team 7 left, Kakashi still standing in front of the Hokage.
"Anything interesting, Kakashi?" Hiruzen asked in a curious tone with his pipe on the table.
"A few, Hokage-sama. Firstly, Kazekage's youngest son-" Kakashi started and went on explaining his observations during the mission. It's a long discussion, to say the least.
"Lastly, Naruto. Where should I start? He gained a very good mastery of Wind, his main element. From Guy's words, I can confirm that Naruto mastered Fuujinken."
"Fuujinken you say?" Hiruzen asked in surprise.
"Hai," Kakashi nodded.
'Interesting. Very interesting. I didn't think someone could master that style. Fuujinken is one of the 5 elemental Taijutsu styles and the toughest of all as well. It's-. It's not time for a tangent.' Hiruzen stopped himself and listened to Kakashi's impressed explanation of Naruto's wind use.
"That concludes my report, Hokage-sama."
"Very well, Kakashi. You are dismissed." Hiruzen said and with a bow, Kakashi vanished.
'I wonder where he found a scroll with that style.' Hiruzen wondered. He wanted to confront Naruto about it but stopped himself knowing how futile it would be. 'Guess he learned the shinobi way.' Hiruzen chuckled.
Unknown Location
"He is back, Danzo-sama." An emotionless voice spoke into the darkness.
"Keep an eye on him. I want to know all his activities and his moves." A voice spoke from the darkness. Danzo sat in front of a candle, going over Naruto's updated file.
Though he was banned from Council meetings, he is still a Village Elder and so still has influence. After going through Uzumaki's file, one thing was clear, he is a flight risk.
He has the most stats improvement after graduating from the Academy. He has the most missions, with an additional A-rank added to the list. He knew which one that was.
Everything he read only proved his point. The Kyuubi vessel is becoming stronger and may abandon the village one day. He won't let that happen. Once he becomes the Hokage, he'll make him Konoha's greatest weapon.
'I'll be the Hokage.' Danzo thought, determined.
"Send word to Orochimaru that he will get what he wants." He ordered. And so began another of Danzo's dark schemes to take over Konoha and become Hokage.
Few Months Later
It's been a few months since Joint exercises and Team 7s mission to Suna and in that time, all Rookie teams' strength only increased under the watchful eye of their senseis. The teams went on many more missions and with the new system in place, they got good experience under their belt.
First comes Team 10. This generation's Ino-Shika-Cho is formidable and is praised in comparison to their parents for their teamwork and overall strength.
The sharpest in the trio, Shikamaru has finally started to take things seriously to escape his mother's nagging about how strong Team 7 became and his father not saving him didn't help.
He managed to complete the Water Walking exercise, thus allowing Asuma to finally show them their elemental affinities. The smug look Ino got was so troublesome, he didn't want to talk about it.
Then came Team 9. They were youthful in their training and missions and got the most experience out of the rookie teams. Guy was so proud of their youthful efforts, he taught them the basics of his famous techniques. Not deep, but youthful enough.
Team 8 wasn't a slouch either. After being beaten by Kakashi at their own game, they trained their tracking extensively, making them one of the best trackers compared to some experienced Chunin teams.
Each of them also trained in their clan Jutsu, making good progress which unlocked new Jutsu and more following in the case of Kiba.
And lastly, Team 7. They changed the most in all-rookie teams. Their teamwork was impeccable, giving Team 8 a run for their money and the progress they made wasn't short of astounding, including Sakura.
Talking of strength, the most that made progress was obviously Naruto but an honorary mention can be given to Sakura. Sasuke's was not anything to scoff at as well.
They all mastered the basic elemental exercise of cutting a leaf with all 5 elements, eagerly waiting for Kakashi to teach them a jutsu of all elements.
In Naruto's case, he mastered basic jutsu of all 5 elements with Wind, Water and Ice having the most Jutsu in his arsenal. He also mastered Rasengan to advanced levels and then some in Hiraishin.
His Genjutsu also improved, making it very subtle that he can put some chunin in it being unnoticed. He has been annoyed by a pest for the past few months and wants to get rid of that.
Sakura managed to double her chakra reserves and refined her chakra control by leaps and bounds with Kurenai's help. She also learnt a few Genjutsu from the Genjutsu mistress as well. Kurenai was happy to help.
Sasuke on the hand managed to decipher his clan's jutsu scrolls and learnt many Lightning and Fire jutsu. Though they are C and D-rank once as he can't decipher higher ranked ones. His Sharingan also improved to 2 and 3-tomoes, showing him the progress he wanted to see.
Kakashi was very impressed by his team, he took them on a few more B and recently a B turned A rank mission. He also sparred with them extensively, giving his best to them. He didn't think a day like this would come.
A day in which he would bond with his team so much. A day which can heal his past guilt of not being there for his Team and Sensei when they needed him. He smiled in joy.
Unknown to him, a similar thought seems to run in Sasuke's mind as well, but differently. Sakura doesn't need to think as she loved the team makeup now. Naruto, Naruto didn't think much of it. He is still in his memories of enjoying his ride with Albion.
Flashback Begin
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Jutsu)," Naruto said slamming his hand on Uzumaki Estate grounds midst of night as he wanted to meet with his personal summon and get to know him better. In a puff of smoke, a white dragon appeared.
"Naruto!" Albion said excitedly and jumped on Naruto. Due to his large size, Naruto tripped, unable to bear his weight.
"Ayo wait!" Before he can object, he was swept from his feet with a large white mouth and was on Albion's back.
"You know Naruto, I love night and wasn't given a chance to fly around. Thank you for giving me this chance." Albion said excitedly and before Naruto can reply, he took off into the air in a random direction.
Naruto was surprised by the sudden pushback and force that his body went through but enjoyed the feeling of being in the air. Albion's excitement didn't help as the Dragon went as fast as he could exploring the Elemental Nations.
After a few minutes of flight, Naruto spoke. "Hey Albion, where are you taking me and do you know the way back?" He asked in a doubtful tone.
"Huh, we need to be back soon? I thought you loved my flying!" He said in a semi-hurt tone.
"It's nothing like that, but I should be back in the village by tomorrow morning and I don't think you'll unnoticed when it's day." He reasoned.
"That's why I love night you see. I can't be noticed at night as my skin is the same colour as the moon. Hehe. As we have till morning, I'm sure we can find our way back." Albion said in a smug tone.
"Now don't be an old man and feel the wind," Albion said with what Naruto assumed as a Dragon smirk and started to do barrel rolls and hoops in the sky. Naruto had to use chakra to stick to the young Dragon to not fall.
The few times he fell, Albion was there to catch him, putting him back on his back and doing it all over again. Naruto had the best flying experience on that day and they just spent exploring the skies while chatting about many things.
Flashback End
Naruto stopped trying to get recognised by people around him and instead shifted his focus to making his parents proud by becoming strong, he felt at ease after that. He is going to be so strong that everyone had no choice but to respect him. His power.
He liked his team. They changed a lot from the time when they just started. But that doesn't mean he will get too attached to them. He doesn't want to make the same mistake of attaching himself to people.
He already did it once and that led to them hiding the biggest secret of his life away. He can still see the twisted pleasure Mizuki got when he spilt that out. They eagerly waited for their lazy sensei to come so that they could get started.
Naruto on the other hand had enough of the pest and decided to get rid of it. He substituted himself with a clone to deal with it. His team couldn't notice the difference as the blonde has become very proficient at it.
Hokage Tower
Hiruzen walked in with his pipe in his hand and all the Jounin stood at attention in respect of their Hokage. They loved his new style. His true return removed so many useless things they needed to do, ordered by elders.
"As you know, the Chunin exams will officially start tomorrow. Do any of you have nominations?" He asked, sitting in his seat. Many Jounin started giving their nominations which were noted by Sandaime's secretary.
"That gives 76 teams from Konoha. That's a good number. I also want you to be on your toes as we have a lot of shinobi floating and try to be alert and settle things without any fuss. You know how to behave." He said with authority and gave a once over them.
"If that's al-"
"Hokage-sama," many hands rose and everyone turned to the hands and the faces of the holders. They are the Jounin of the recently passed Genin. Many eyes rose. They don't interrupt Hokage normally and everyone curiously waited for what they had to say.
All the rookie teams sensei's looked at each other in surprise. Same idea running in their mind. An official bet was made. As they got the Hokage's attention, they all spoke at once.
"We would like to nominate our teams for Chunin exams." 4 voices chorused and many in the room were surprised. It's not common for a genin team, just passed out of Academy, to be nominated for their first Chunin Exams at least in these peaceful times.
"Very well," Hiruzen said with a smile. He knew how strong the fresh batch of Genin has become because of his new policies and expected this to happen.
"Let me explain security and other details for this exam. First, I want you to keep an eye on Ot-"
With Naruto
Naruto appeared behind the pest and he noticed him and charged with a kunai in his hand. Naruto dodged but didn't see a second one and was hit on the back of his hand, losing consciousness.
Seeing how they have the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, they disappeared from their hiding spot to their headquarters beneath Konoha. After a thorough check, they appeared in front of their leader in a kneeling position.
"Report," Danzo's impassive voice said.
"We got the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, Danzo-sama," the anbu in front of him spoke in an emotionless tone. Danzo looked at the person who is reported as the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki.
He gave an impassive look at his Anbu who returned the same stare. He gestured him to the person whom he caught and instead of Naruto, another Anbu with Ne on his rat mask lay unconscious.
"What's the meaning of this?" Danzo asked in an angry tone. The operative stayed quiet.
"The meaning of this is you should stop the fuck of following me." A voice spoke from the darkness and everyone went on high alert. Danzo stared into the darkness and slowly a figure walked into the light.
Danzo can clearly see the resemblance this blonde had to an uncontrollable blonde he knew in the past. He silently observed, waiting for an opening.
"Shimura Danzo, a veteran of the 3 Shinobi wars, on the team of Nidaime Hokage. Classmate and rival of Sandaime Hokage and an honourable elder of Leaf's council. You have quite a history." Naruto said, walking in front of Danzo.
"Tell me, what's your beef with me? I don't remember ever meeting you or having anything to do with you."
Danzo's blood boiled in rage at the casual tone the Kyuubi vessel is addressing him with but he decided to take one step at a time and not lose the opportunity that presented itself.
He will break this thing and bring it under his control and pursue his dream of becoming Hokage and then bringing all villages under Konoha's control.
"Naruto. It's a pleasant surprise seeing you here. Come, sit." He invited but Naruto didn't move an inch. Relenting to get control, he stood in his place.
"I'll come to the point. Don't you think Hiruzen is very secretive and hid many things from you? If you join me, I'll tell you everything you want to know. Your parents, who they are, what they did, how they died and what Hiruzen did to make your life miserable.
I'll tell you everything, Naruto-kun. Aren't you curious how all the villagers know you are the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki? You are a smart kid, you can decide for yourself." Danzo said in a sweet tone.
"I can even help you get stronger. I've many ways to make you strong. As strong as Hiruzen or even the Yondaime, Nidaime or Shodai. I promise you whatever you want, join me. I want to tell you a small story in history about how I lost my right eye," Danzo said in a poisonous sweet tone and started removing the bandages on his right hand.
"It's the days of the Second Shinobi war and I was up against a Jinchuuriki like you!" He said and looked into Naruto's eyes with a shuriken-shaped Mangekyou Sharingan.
"A senseless beast like you shouldn't dare question me. You are just a tool for Konoha and a pet for me. Know your place. Take him away." Danzo ordered, successfully getting the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki under his control.
"Hahahahahahahahahaha,"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA,"
"HAhaHAhaHAhaHAhaHAhaHAha," hysterical laughter started to echo through the empty dark halls of the Root headquarters.
*Claps
"I didn't think you were such a moron, Danzo. What do you take me for, a knuckleheaded orphan? I didn't expect a Mangekyou though. Who did you steal it from?" Naruto said, appearing from the shadows and slicing Anbu off.
"You think I'm foolish to not be careful when I come here? You think I trust you an old coot greedy for power? You think I don't know you are the darkness of Konoha? I know who you are and everything you do with these mindless idiots you call your servants.
I just thought of greeting you when I got annoyed by that pesky pest you sent to spy on me. But was met by a second one who is spying on Sasuke. That's when I decided I should give you a memorable gift rather than merely greeting you. Take these words to heart, Danzo. If you meddle with anything relating to me, I'll personally kill you. Don't be foolish enough to use Genjutsu on me. Though you can't anymore." Naruto said with a smirk as he had the Mangekyou in his hand.
Danzo's eye started to bleed but no one noticed when Naruto took it. "Say goodbye to this bad boy." And just like that, Naruto crushed the Mangekyou. He gave one last smirk at Danzo and vanished from the root HQ which started to detonate from within.
However, if he had stayed, he would have noticed how the Danzo in front of him slit his throat and vanished from existence as well.
He appeared a few metres from his last position with his eyes intact. "Assess damage and prepare to move out from this hideout to Base Delta." He ordered and vanished to said base.
He knew Anbu will be here any moment because of the amount of ruckus Naruto's explosions made. 'Damn that Kyuubi brat. How could he break through Koatomatsukami? Did he already make contact with Kyuubi? Did it help him break out? How did he know about Mangekyou Sharingan?
How did he take out the Mangekyou from my eye? I didn't notice any difference or anyone approaching me. He is becoming more dangerous than I expected him to be. I should give Orochimaru a mission.' Danzo thought as he was treated by his medical ninja for the strain Naruto put on his body.
Naruto's appearance in his HQ certainly affected his perception of Danzo about him and left him with more questions than answers. He decided to move his piece and planned for it.
After a thorough headcount and accounting of everyone on missions, it was estimated that Naruto killed 7 Root operatives with a few more being killed because of the explosive tags he planted across the base, not including Danzo's sharingan.
Though the loss is a sizable chunk of his root forces, Danzo didn't mind them as this gave him a good idea about the Kyuubi jinchuuriki and his abilities.
Hokage Tower
"The Chunin exam starts tomorrow. Prepare your teams. You are dismissed." Hiruzen ordered and everyone in the room vanished to spread the good news to their teams.
With Team 7
After taking care of Root HQ, Naruto substituted with his clone and took his spot with his team who are discussing different ways they can make Kakashi teach them the jutsu.
"I think we should buy a limited edition of Icha Icha and demand it in return," Naruto suggested which made Sasuke and Sakura look at him in surprise.
"What? You don't believe me?"
"Why didn't you suggest it till now!?" Sasuke asked in realisation. Sakura happily nodded to what her Sasuke-kun said.
"Ohayo, mina-san!" Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke and greeted them with an eye smile.
"You think this is morning, Sensei?" Sakura asked as it was long past 2.
"Ah, I was busy in a meeting with Hokage-sama." For the first Kakashi didn't lie to them.
"Moreover, I got these for you." He said handing them 3 slips which looked like applications.
"As you already know, we are hosting this year's Chunin Exams. You 3 are selected to participate in them. Congratulations!" Kakashi gave them another happy eye smile.
"I knew we could."
"Cool,"
"..." were the 3 replies of Team 7. Sasuke is happy that his effort and his position as an elite are recognised and there is a possibility that he can copy many jutsu. Naruto is happy that he can show his skills to everyone and shut everyone's mouths in these exams. Sakura is unsure. She knew her team was strong. Stronger than all rookies 9. But fighting in Chunin exams is different as she heard the things that can happen in the exams.
Noticing his pink-haired teammates' lack of response, Naruto turned to her. "Don't worry, Sakura. We will do great." Naruto reassured with Sasuke nodding in agreement. Her teammates' assurance lifted her spirit and she gave them a determined nod.
"Be sure to be at the arena at 9 tomorrow. Don't be late." Kakashi said sheepishly. They gave him a cheeky smile.
"All the best, I believe you can. Now let's eat-"
"Ramen!" Naruto yelled before anyone could do anything and they resigned to their fate, all of them moved to Ichiraku's.
And Cut.
That's it for this Chapter folks.
Hope you liked it.
See y'all in the next chapter.
Suggestions are welcome.
Black Infinity1289,
Ja Ne.