Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Different Reality ❯ Planning ( Chapter 7 )

CrimsonCat101: Well, I'm back. Heh heh, sorry it took so long…really long, but I was busy…trust me…I also was writing Ghost Guardian, my new story, CHECK IT OUT! My BETA took a while to give me the edited version, because he fixed quite a bit, so thank him, cause he's awesome. I enjoy, because it was a pain in the ass for me, but hopefully the next chapter runs more smoothly.

 

Archontici: That good huh? My house? C'mon I need my house, so I hope this chapter pleases you ^^

 

Train1: Your not dead…right? I only take as long as I do because I like to make quality chapters. You seem desperate though. Hey is you username based off the name of Black Cat by any chance?

 

Spiritwolf30: Well here is your long awaited chapter!

 

Kmt87: Funny huh? Heh, I didn't know I was good in humor…

 

GrayPheonix: Unlike cannon…Sweet! That's what I'm trying to aim for! I LOVE to be different!

 

Disclaimer:  I don't own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does…If I did Naruto would wear something that isn't that orange jumpsuit XD… Also the plan Kakashi makes was created by my BETA (mimicv18), because my plan was suicidal XDDDD

 

A Different Reality

-Planning-

 

Kakashi had rejoined the group shortly after speaking with Jiraiya.  Although he was only gone for three minutes, Naruto was anything but happy.  He found Naruto with his arms crossed, foot tapping, and scowl present on his once placid face.   He had questioned the masked jounin where he had been, but Kakashi only answered with an eye-smile and a simple statement.  “I had business to take care of.”  Kakashi didn't evaluate any further, which only seemed to irritate the blonde even more.

 

Kakashi had stored Jiraiya's books in a scroll before he had joined the group.  He knew that during an A-ranked mission, reading his book was not a smart choice.  Danger was a given on an A-ranked mission, and as long as there was any danger he would not read his book.  Although, this may not stop him from reading a little bit, the blonde did.  Naruto might lecture him that reading would most likely put him off-guard, and that would be disastrous if they were attacked.  He did not want to tempt the blonde's wrath, especially when it was usually dished out in explosives.  

 

Enkoo no Mura was about five days travel from Konohagakure no Sato, and the designated camp was about a half of a day's travel from there.  The group had only been traveling for half a day, so they still had a long while. 

 

The first night, Naruto had token the first watch while everyone slept.  He watched the darkening sky, and the stars that had become apparent in it.  The stars were always very bright away from Konoha, away from lights…the lights from the village make the stars less visible then they are away from it.  When he had started traveling with Jiraiya it was one thing that made him feel so far away from home…To him it made him feel like he was a world away from Konoha…Sharing the same sky, but not the same view…

 

He was at peace until a certain mop of gravity defying silver-hair decided to block his view.

 

Naruto didn't look at him as he spoke in a monotone voice, “Move it broom-head.”

 

The appointed `broom-head' sat down on the grass next to the blonde, “What's eating you?”

 

“Shouldn't you be asleep?  Energy is important, and drowsiness might get you killed.  You even have the next watch I might add.”  After a short pause, Naruto checked to see if the others were still sleeping.  His eyes swept over the three sleeping bags.  The one that was Kakashi's was obviously vacant, while the other two raised and fell with every breath the occupants took.

 

Naruto looked at Kakashi and sighed, “I was just thinking about Konoha and the other places I've visited.”

 

Kakashi threw him a questioning glance, “What about them?”

 

“Well every place shares the same sky, but a different view of it, correct?”

 

Kakashi nodded his head as he gave Naruto a confused look.  He had no idea where the young blonde was taking the conversation. 

 

Naruto only continued to look at the dark sky, and the stars that decorated it.  “I was thinking how I was like the sky…I am one thing, but everyone will always see me in a different light…And Konoha just so happens to have the worst view, and I wonder if I can ever change that…”

 

Kakashi thought carefully before replying, “Don't forget that the stars in the sky move, and maybe one day they will see the same sight that others already have…it just takes time.”

 

Naruto smiled at the answer Kakashi had given him.  He would just have to keep trying until he dream was realized…

 

They shared a comfortable silence until Kakashi spoke, “Naruto, how did Jiraiya come to teaching you anyway?”

 

Naruto tensed slightly, before he pushed his feelings aside, “I was being attacked by an ANBU when Ero-sennin had found me, he then decided to help train me so that I can look after myself.”

 

“I see…” Kakashi knew that Naruto's childhood was anything but pleasant.  Kakashi was one of the ANBU at the time, and helped protect Naruto on his birthday of every year, when the civilians' and shinobis' aggressions were always at an all-time high. The ANBU stopped many attacks directed at Naruto during that time, but sometimes they couldn't stop everything that came his way, including a nice-sized rock that had hit Naruto on the head when he had turned five.  Naruto was hospitalized for a week after that attack…

 

“Kakashi.”

 

Kakashi snapped back to reality, and mentally berated himself for getting so caught up in his own thoughts.

 

“You should get some rest.  I'll wake you up in about an hour for your watch.”  Naruto said as he leaned back on his hands, and looked at Kakashi.

 

Kakashi slowly got back on his feet, and took a step towards his sleeping bag, before stopping abruptly.

 

“I forgot to give you something.”  He hummed, as he reached for a small scroll that was tucked in a pocket of his jounin vest.  He took out the scroll and opened it to reveal two copies of an orange book.  He handed one to Naruto, who curiously took it in his hands.  “Jiraiya-sama, wanted me to give you a copy.  He told me you read them.”

 

Naruto nodded and smiled, “I do, but I'm not addicted to them.  I'll read them once and awhile when I get bored, and it's not like I have to pay for them.”

 

Kakashi nodded, and tucked his book securely into his weapon's pouch.  He started to walk towards his bag once more, before Naruto's voice stopped him.

 

“Wait Kakashi,”

 

Kakashi turned around; his eyebrow was cocked questionably near his visible eye.  “Hm?”

 

“Don't let me catch you reading that book during the mission.”  Naruto lightly threatened, sending him a mischievous grin.

 

Kakashi turned back towards his bag and raised his right arm to show Naruto that he understood.

 

Naruto turned back to the stars, and sighed.  `This is going to be a long mission', he thought exhaustingly.

 

 

 The group continued down the dirt trail that led to Enkoo.  It had been four days, but today was the day they arrived at town.

 

During the trip Naruto had learned a bit about his team.  Asuma's personality was laid-back and carefree and just as blunt at times.  Kurenai was a kunoichi that took her job seriously.  She had a caring type of personality and had a deep hatred for perverts.  She was also quite inquisitive at times depending on the subject, which led Naruto to believe that she was a little above average when it comes to book smarts. 

 

Kakashi however seemed to be emotionless most of the time, and when he did show some kind of emotion, it felt fake.  Naruto felt his emotionless mask was part of an adaptation to the shinobi way of life.  The shinobi code often said that emotion is a weakness commonly used against you by your enemies.  Kakashi also kept himself distant and detached from the others, as though he was afraid to become close to anyone.  To Naruto, Kakashi was an acquaintance of sorts.  They had a good understanding of the other, and for shinobi that was often good enough.

 

They were about an hour away from Enkoo no Mura and to say the least, Naruto was ecstatic.  He learned to hide that fact a lot better then when he was younger, so he settled for a grin.

 

“We're almost there.”  Naruto announced to the group as he folded his map and stored it away.  Kurenai smiled at the fact that the long walk was over and that they finally arrived.  Asuma lit a cigarette, before casually relaxing his hands in his pants' pockets.  Kakashi however, was trying not to grab the book in his pouch.  His hand was set in the pouch on top of the book, and was twitching at the fact he was so close to it, but couldn't read it.   

 

“So, why are we stopping at Enkoo anyway?”  Kurenai asked Naruto curiously

 

Naruto's grin dropped to a smile, “I need to get information about the camp.  This place being so close to the camp, is the perfect way to get information, especially because I know someone that will probably have some great info.” he explained.

 

“Who is this someone you're talking about?” Kurenai asked.

 

“He's part of Ero-sennin's information network, I met him a while back during my first year of training.  His name is Kawachi Masaru, and he's a retired jounin from Konoha.”  Naruto explained. 

 

The group walked for a while longer, the town's entrance finally came into view.  The group followed Naruto through the town all the while observing the quiet streets.  There were the occasional people walking by, but there wasn't too much.  Most of the stores were open, but some were closed. 

 

Naruto's face-hardened, as he walked to the two-story house him and Jiraiya had previously visited.  The group arrived at the doorstep, and Naruto knocked lightly on the door.  There was no answer, so Naruto knocked slightly harder.  This time the door opened, but no one was standing at the doorway to greet him.  Instead a kunai flew out of the house aimed at Naruto's head, to which Naruto caught deftly with his right hand, an inch before it would've nicked his Hitai-ate.

 

“Is that anyway to greet someone?”  Naruto questioned in a monotone dialog.

 

A man walked out of the shadows of the house and approached the blonde.  His hair was spiky and black, with two blue bangs that framed his face.  His eyes were an ice blue that resembled the frost that covered the ground during the winter.  His clothing was that of standard Konoha jounin apparel, minus the jounin vest and Hitai-ate.  “You're Konoha nins eh?”  He said as he recognized the symbols on their Hitai-ates', “Sorry, I thought you were somebody else.”

 

Naruto nodded in understanding, before braking out into a large grin, “Where's Aiko-chan?”

 

Masaru looked at the boy confusingly, “How do y-“ He cut off what he was about to say, before looking more closely at the boy, “Damn!  Is that you Naruto?  You've gotten taller, compared to the pintsized six-year old that visited me.”

 

Naruto grinned, “Sure is!  Although I don't appreciate the pintsized remark…” he muttered.  “So where's Aiko-chan and Mei-chan?”

 

Masaru observed the group behind Naruto before turning back to the boy, “They're inside.”  Masaru stepped to the side of the doorway, so that they could enter, “Come in, I'm betting you want some information on the camp.”

 

Naruto walked in as well as Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai.

 

Masaru looked at Naruto, “So who are they?”

 

Kurenai stepped forward, “You are Kawachi Masaru?  My name is Yuhi Kurenai.  The other two next to me are Hatake Kakashi, and Sarutobi Asuma.”

 

Masaru looked at the silver-haired jounin, “So you're the infamous Kakashi eh?  I've heard a lot about you, but what ninja hasn't?”  Masaru then turned around, “Follow me.”

 

Masaru flicked on the light that led to the basement, and began descending down the staircase.  They followed him silently, as they were led down below the earth's surface. 

 

“Alright, I'll tell you as much as I know.  I know quite a lot, so I might be able to answer nearly all of your questions.”  Masaru said as he pulled on a string that lit a light bulb.  The light revealed a wooden table with what appeared to be a layout of a small camp.

 

“I let you look those over while I go get Aiko and Mei-chan.  I'll be back to answer any questions you may have for me.”  Masaru said, before walking back up the steps.

 

Asuma looked at the detailed layout, “Damn, this will make things a ton easier.”

 

Kurenai nodded, “This was a good idea, and this will surely save us many troubles.”

 

Kakashi began looking the map over intently, before reaching up and pulling up his Hitai-ate to reveal the Sharingan underneath.

 

Naruto noticed Kakashi lift Hitai-ate, “Kakashi-san, what are you doing?”

 

“It is best if I memorized this layout.”  Was his short reply, as his one eye scanned over the large paper briefly, before it was once more covered by his Hitai-ate.

 

Naruto nodded in understanding and left him to it, before looking at the large paper himself.

 

The layout was fairly simple, with the camp being about 440 yards x 235.5 yards.  The east and west sides were 235.5 yards, while the north and south sides were larger at 440 yards long.  There were gates on each side, and the walls were about 3.2 yards in height.  There were about 50 samurai that resided in tents on the east side.  The paper stated that there were approximately 130 bandits scattered throughout the camp.  The main tent was located in the center of the camp and was estimated to contain eight missing nins from Ame (Rain). A few bandits patrolled alongside each gate, usually traveling in groups of three.

 

Naruto knew that infiltrating the camp would be the easy part, however he had no idea of how he were to rid of the camp's occupants with only three jounin and himself.  The missing nins was what he was worried about the most, concerning about the fact he had no idea about their ranks. They could be anywhere from genin to jounin level, and if all eight were jounin level, then this mission was going to be very difficult.

 

Naruto took his gaze off the layout and looked at the group.  “So what you think?”

 

Kurenai was still looking at the layout as she spoke, “I think it may be difficult, but it isn't impossible…It really depends on the levels of those missing nins really.”

 

Asuma exhaled a small cloud of smoke, “So when do we leave?”

 

Naruto looked at the layout, “If we can come up with a decent plan before nightfall, probably tomorrow morning.  Otherwise we'll head out the next morning.  It's best to strike as soon as possible.  Otherwise they might find out about our arrival and boost their defenses.”

 

“So any ideas?”  Kakashi turned to look at the blonde who was now deep in silent contemplation, his eyes closed and his chin resting in between his right thumb, and index finger. 

 

“Well…” Naruto opened his cerulean eyes, gazing at the group as a whole.  “Asuma-san should obviously deal with the samurai, considering the fact that his weapons are wind enhanced trench knives and should slice through the samurai's swords like butter.  Kurenai-san I believe should handle the bandits, her genjutsu would always be 100 percent successful, since bandits can't release a genjutsu.  Weak widespread genjutsus should do the trick quite nicely.  Kakashi-san and I would take care of the missing nins, and you both could be our backup in case we need it.” 

 

The group considered this briefly before agreeing it was a good idea, well expect Kakshi who was still staring at the layout intently.  Naruto took out a scroll from his pants and swiped his blood across one of the many words labeled on the inside on the scroll.  A small puff of smoke was emitted from the palm of Naruto's hand, until it revealed four small electronic devices.

 

“These are so we can communicate,” Naruto began, handing out the small black electronic earpieces to each of his squad, “Don't hesitate to call for backup when you need it.” Naruto then looked at the layout, “Alright, now all we need is a plan of action.”

 

Kakashi's gaze turned from the paper to Naruto, “I think I have a plan.”

 

Naruto nodded, “Let's hear it.”

 

“Alright, Naruto would st-“

 

“Oh, Naruto-san!”  A woman's voice cut in.

 

Naruto turned around to the staircase.  The woman was dressed in simple black kimono wear.  She had long black hair that reached her waist and dark charcoal eyes.  A warm smile made her features seem frail and gentle. “Hey Mei-chan!  It's been a long time huh?”

 

“Indeed it has.”  She replied walking towards him. 

 

Naruto grinned while he looked around, “Where's Aiko-chan?”

 

Mei smiled, “She's coming, and so is Masaru.”  She looked at the table behind Naruto, “Invading that enemy encampment eh?”

 

Naruto nodded sternly, “Yeah, you know anything about it?”

 

Mei looked at him and blinked, before disappearing and then reappearing right before Naruto in a blink of an eye.  She grabbed his whisker-marked cheeks and pinched them affectionately, “Aaawww, you've grown so much!  Last time I saw you, you were such a hyper-active midget!”  She cooed in a voice that made Naruto feel as though he were a three-year old.

 

“Cut that out Mei-san, and why does everyone got to keep bringing up the midget thing!”  Naruto huffed childishly, while Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma snickered at Naruto's expense.

 

Naruto glared at Kakashi, before silently opening one of his pants pockets.  Kakashi glimpsed the explosive note and became abruptly silent.  The group stared at him and the sudden lack of noise from the masked jounin.  Naruto snapped his pocket shut again before anyone else could notice.

 

“Um, Mei-san,” Naruto asked, with his eyes audibly twitching in irritation.

 

“Hai Naruto?”

 

“Mind letting go of my face?  I kind of need it.”

 

Mei blushed from embarrassment, before rapidly letting go of Naruto's cheeks and letting her arms rest by her sides.  “Sorry, its just you were acting so much older then you are, and it made you look really adorable…” She explained.

 

Naruto sighed, “So can you tell me what you know about the camp?”

 

Mei smiled, “I don't know much, but what I do know is that some of the town's women have been kidnapped by those pigs.  Also the trade we do with other towns is usually stolen when being shipped, but it's never anything that isn't edible.”

 

“Hey Naruto I'm back, and I brought someone with me.”  Masaru called as he entered the basement, a girl followed closely behind him.  The girl's hair was up in two pigtails that fell to her shoulders.  Her eyes were a frosty blue, and her hair a midnight black.  She wore a light blue top and black pants that stopped near the bottom of her knee were it wrapped tightly.

 

“Um dad, you never told me people were down here.”  The small girl looked at father questionably.

 

“Aiko honey, this is Naruto, and the other three are Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai.”  Masaru explained gesturing to each one as they were introduced. “Do you remember Naruto honey?”

 

Aiko looked at the blonde, before shaking her head vigorously, “Sorry, but I don't.”

 

Naruto felt his heart give a sharp pain when Aiko had said that, but he shook the feeling off.  He knew better then to think that Aiko would remember someone that visited when she was only four.  She was nine now, but he had a small bit of hope that she would remember him, if only a bit.

 

Naruto walked up to her and offered a hand, “My name Uzumaki Naruto.  It's okay that you don't remember me, so don't feel bad about it.  I guess we can just start over okay?”

 

Aiko nodded gingerly before shaking his hand, “Kawachi Aiko.”

 

Naruto grinned, “Pleased to meet you Aiko-chan.” 

 

They broke the shake, while Naruto turned his attention to Masaru.  “Masaru-san, I have a few questions about the encampment.”

 

Masaru nodded and approached the round table, “I expected as much, so what do you need to know?”

 

Naruto turned towards the table, and pointed to the main tent that was located in the center of the layout.  “Right here, you have labeled an estimated eight missing nins from Ame (Rain) occupying this tent.  However, you don't specify the rank, or level of their abilities. I was wondering if you have an idea of their levels or identities.”

 

Masaru spoke calmly, “Unfortunately I don't know much, and my information may be false.  I heard that two of those missing nins are jounin level ninja, and that they have made quite a name for themselves.  The rest of the other ninjas, I have no clue about.  So is there anything else?”  Masaru asked curiously, looking at the blonde and his comrades.

 

Kurenai scrutinized the paper, before looking at Masaru suspiciously, “Is this information reliable?”

 

Masaru nodded, “I wasn't a jounin for nothing, yah know? I scouted the camp just recently in case I needed information for the future, seeing as how they're ruining this town and endangering my family…” Masaru put a hand on his daughter's head as he said that.

 

Mei agreed with her husband, “This place isn't safe anymore to just waltz around outside.  If it wasn't for Masaru, I don't know where I'd be now…”

 

Kakashi who had remained silent for most of the conversation spoke up suddenly.  “How are you a part of Jiraiya's information network?”

 

Masaru smirked, “I work at the local bar, so I pick up quite a bit of information.  Some become more careless with information when drunk.  Jiraiya had asked me to inform him of any information that I happen to come across, and I get a little extra pay in return.”

 

“A bar huh…” Kakashi mused, rubbing his chin.  He wondered why he never thought about gathering information at such a place.

 

Naruto remembered what they were discussing before they were interrupted, and turned to Kakashi.  “So Kakashi what was the plan you were talking about?” 

 

“Well,” Kakashi drawled, “I was thinking we use your massive chakra supply and Kage bunshins to create a less suicidal plan. First you would create about a hundred kage bunshins and then split them in groups of 25. Each group would then take a gate and take out the patrols. After the patrols have been dealt with, the clones would then destroy and take down the gates, drawing attention to each gate…”

 

“And splitting the enemy four ways…” Naruto finished in awe, the plan made total sense. Kakashi did have a lot of experience when it came to things like this, due to the fact that he fought in the war against Iwa.

 

“Exactly,” Kakashi nodded, explaining the plan while tracing his finger across the camp's layout. “Then Asuma and Kurenai will find the women being held captive and escort them to safety, taking enemies down along the way. Naruto and I will locate the eight missing nins and eliminate them. Once Asuma and Kurenai have completed their assigned task they will be our backup if needed, otherwise they will just help Naruto's kage bunshins clear out the encampment.”

 

“Sounds like a sound plan to me.” Asuma commented, everyone readily agreed with him.

 

Naruto turned to Masaru, “Mind if we stay here for awhile?”

 

Masaru smiled, “I wouldn't mind at all, you should know that.  It is the least I can do, if you're getting rid of this town's problems.”

 

Naruto grinned sheepishly, “Uh, thanks.”

 

Aiko looked at her father, “Dad, did you say that they're getting rid of those bad guys?”

 

Masaru smiled down at his daughter, “Yeah I did honey.”

 

Aiko's expression became happy, and she grinned at the Konoha ninjas, “Thank you!”

 

Naruto smiled gently at her before his stomach gave an unsettling rumble.  Naruto grinned sheepishly while Mei and Masaru chuckled.

 

“I can cook dinner for us all, I'll go get started.” Mei walked up the stairs and to the kitchen. 

 

Masaru watched as his wife ascended the stairs before turning back to the group.  “Why don't we all head upstairs, I'll show you the guest room after dinner as well.”   Masaru walked up the stairs, before the squad shortly followed him.

 

Kakashi looked at Naruto, “So you're a midget huh?” he teased.  The others took no notice of the conversation going on between the two.

 

Naruto glared at him dangerously, “If you ever mention anything about my size, I will be spoon-feeding you my explosive notes for dinner.”

 

Kakashi knowing not to take Naruto's threats lightly, gulped, and became silent once more.

 

The group ate dinner while Masaru explained why he was no longer a jounin.  He told them, that after meeting his wife and getting married, he retired in order to settle down as a family.  He felt that a shinobi's life would make it difficult to spend time with his family.

 

After dinner Masaru escorted them to the second floor, and opened the door to the guest room.  Asuma was the first to enter, and observed the room.  He brought the cigarette out of his mouth as he spoke, “This might be a problem.”

 

“What's a problem?”  Naruto asked curiously as the rest filed into the room.  When Naruto saw the room he immediately knew what Asuma meant.  “Oh, I see what you mean.”

 

The room was quite large however, there was only one bed.

 

Masaru looked at the group embarrassingly, “Ah, this room is all I have to offer I'm afraid.”  He then turned to Asuma, “Also I'm afraid this is a non-smoking house.” He snatched Asuma's cigarette from his hand, and walked downstairs.  Asuma stared open-mouthed at the ex-jounin as he left.

 

The four were left in complete silence as they looked at the room.

 

Asuma sat on the bed and laid down, he however he was instantly pushed off by another, and fell to the ground with a thud.

 

Kurenai smirked, “Sorry, but the beds taken.  I'm the only woman here, so the rest of you have to sleep on the floor.”

 

Naruto nodded, “Woman's got a point.”

 

Asuma got up and looked back at Kurenai, “There's room enough for two…”

 

Kurenai flushed a crimson red, wondering if the other two heard that.  They didn't, as they were currently busy setting sleeping bags.  She scowled at Asuma, “Pervert!” She scolded, before bashing him atop his head and turning away from him to seethe.

 

Naruto heard Kurenai yell and turned to the grounded Asuma, “What'd you do to make her that angry?”

 

Asuma sighed and began unpacking his sleeping bag as he spoke, “I said something to her.”

 

Naruto sweat-dropped at the frank answer he was given, but took it anyway.  They all got comfortable in their individual sleeping bags, or in Kurenai's case, bed.  Naruto looked at the ceiling as he thought of the mission he would soon carry out.  They would depart tomorrow morning, and arrive at the enemy encampment by nightfall.  He just hoped everything went according to plan.