Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Tail of Two Bijus ❯ Return to the Snow ( Chapter 7 )

 

3 Weeks later, at the entrance to the Village of the Snow:

 

Finally after three long exhausting weeks, they'd finally reached the Village of the Snow. They were stopped at the gate by the guard, who looked over them supsiciously.

 

“State your names and reason for being here!”

 

“I'm Hideaki Yamamoto, and these are the five that Hiroshi-Sama had requested from the Village of Konoha.”

 

“Understood, you may enter. A word of warning if I may.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“The rebels aren't going to stay much quieter for long. We predict two or three days tops before the first revolt begins.”

 

“Understood, thank you for the warning.”

 

“No problem. Hiroshi-Sama is also expecting you. Please make your way swiftly to his mansion.”

 

“Hai!”

 

“Open the gate!”

 

“Hai!”

 

With that, the gate creaked open just wide enough to allow the team and their charge through. Hideaki lead the way to the north of town where they could clearly see a rather large mansion situated on a hill.

 

“That's Hiroshi-Sama's mansion. Hiroshi-Sama is a very good leader. Ever since we managed to overthrow the last dictatorship and place him in power, not only the Village has stabilized and prospered, but so has the entire country. He lowered the ridiculously high taxes to something everyone could afford, took the power from the rich and gave it to the poor, the list goes on. He's the best thing that's ever happened to this country.”

 

“He also tried to protect me from the villagers.”

 

Everyone turned to Yukiko when she said that.

 

“Eh? The leader took care of you? I have to thank him.”

 

“What do you mean by tried to protect you? What from?”

 

“Yukiko gave them a sad smile, and said a single word.

 

“Them.”

 

They looked up and noticed that everyone had a look of pure and utter hatred on their faces, and it was all directed at Yukiko.

 

“Those.... Those faces.... That's the look that the people of Konoha... Give me.....”

 

Everyone turned to Naruto as he said this. Hideaki looked at the pair in sympathy.

 

“Now you know what I mean by Yukiko-San has had a tough life. No one except for those that share the same problem would understand that pain...”

 

Naruto just took Yukiko's hand in his as they walked up to the front gate of the village leader's mansion.

 

The guard at the gate stepped infront of the gate, and glared at Yukiko.

 

“What is the meaning of bringing this... this MONSTER here, Hideaki? After she defiled the graveyard, you couldn't possibly expect me to let this witch through could you?”

 

Naruto had had it. He started growling, giving off a large wave of killer intent, causing everyone to step back. His canines elongated and his nails grew. His wisker marks widended and his hair became unruly. He suddenly opened his eyes and glared at the guard. What everyone saw instead of those normally peacefull cerulean eyes chilled them to the bone. His normal eyes were now blood red, with cat like slits for pupils.

 

“I DARE you to repeat that. HUMAN.”

 

“The guard let out a cry and dropped on his butt, before pointing a finger at the boy.

 

“M-Monster!”

 

“Wrong choice of words human.”

 

Naruto used his trademark technique Hiraishin no jutsu to get behind the guard and hold his claws up to the guard's neck. He poked the guard's neck with his claws, and drew a trickle of blood.

 

“Normally, I'd kill you in one shot for saying even one of those things to my girlfriend. But I'm feeling nice today. I'm giving you to the count of three to appologise to both of us, starting now.

 

1...

 

2...'

 

Just as Naruto was about to mention the final number and plunge his claws into the guard's neck, a booming voice came from just inside the gate.

 

“Stop this sensless violence at once!”

 

Naruto turned around and saw middle age man in what could only be describes as very regal robes. Hideaki noticed who the person was and immediately dropped to the floor.

 

“Hiroshi-Sama! Please forgive me for this commotion! I-”

 

“This was not your fault in the slightest, Hideaki.”

 

“Hai, Hiroshi-Sama.”

 

Hiroshi turned to the guard and gave him a very cold gaze.

 

“I happened to hear everything you called these two children. Appologise at once!”

 

“Gomen nasai!”

 

“I appologise for my guard's behaviour. Please come inside. As for you.” He indicated the guard “Relieve yourself from duty and find a replacement guard. You will do 10 hours of community service for those despicable remarks.”

 

“Hai! Hiroshi-Sama!”

 

Naruto calmed conciderably, and his features returned to normal. Everyone except for Yukiko was visably shaken. Yukiko on the other hand just hugged Naruto and gave him a kiss.

 

“Thank you for defending me, Naruto-Kun.”

 

“No problem, Yukiko-Chan. I wasn't going to put up with any more of that crap against my girlfriend. I know you'd do the same for me.”

 

“You know me too well.”

 

They smiled at each other before walking hand in hand inside the mansion, followed at a safe distance by the rest of the team.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&

 

Inside Hiroshi's Mansion:

 

The group now sat in what was obviously a meeting room. As the door opened, Hiroshi walked in and everyone bowed their head. Suprisingly even Naruto.

 

“Again, I appologise for my guard's appauling behaviour. Unfortunately, ever since that incident a few months ago, people have been like that towards Yukiko.”

 

Hiroshi turned to Naruto.

 

“I'm sorry, but may I have your name please?”

 

“Hai! I'm Uzumaki Naruto! Also, I have to thank you for taking care of my girlfriend before she came to Konoha.”

 

Hiroshi raised an eyebrow.

 

“Your girlfriend?”

 

“Yukiko-Chan of course! Really, I am very thankful, Hiroshi-Sama.”

 

Naruto bowed low and everyone from team 7 just stared again. Naruto never showed respect for authority when it was required. Why now?

 

“Yukiko's boyfriend? I'm glad she found someone. One request I have is that you keep her safe. From what I saw out the front there, I'd guess your situation is somewhat simmilar to hers?”

 

“That's right. It's the reason why my village shuns me.”

 

Naruto looked down at the floor. Yukiko did as well. Sakura couldn't take it any more and wanted an explination.

 

“Naruto, what exactly was that physical change of appearance and that voice just before?”

 

Naruto sighed.

 

'I guess I just have to tell everyone now...'

 

'Hey kit. Think of it this way. If they're not your friends after this, they were never worth having as friends.'

 

'Good point.'

 

Naruto took a deep breath.

 

“You guys remember how the Yondaime Hokage defeated the Kyubi in battle right?”

 

Everyone nodded.

 

“That was all a big lie to cover up the truth.”

 

Kakashi just looked sad, while Yukiko was looking into Naruto's eyes with nothing but understadning and sympathy. The others looked very facinated.

 

“Yondaime wasn't powerful enough to kill the Kyubi, so he did the next best thing. He sealed it using a seal he made himself called ShikiFuujin. It's a variation of the summoning technique, that makes the user sign a deal with the Death God. To use this technique, the Death God requires two soul sacrifices. The soul of the sealed, and the soul of the sealer. Both souls are forever condemned to be locked in combat in the stomach of the Death God. If Yondaime tried to seal it into an inadimate object, it was highly unlikely that the seal would hold. He thought about sealing it within an adult, but found that the influx of demonic chakra would most likely rupture the adult's chakra system and set the Kyubi free straight away. The only option he had was to seal it inside a newborn child, one who's chakra system had not had time to fully develop yet. The Yondaime's last wish was that this child would be viewed as a hero, a martyr who put up with the eternal torment of having a demon sealed inside him. What happened though, couldn't be further from the truth. The child was kicked, punched and treated like they were the spawn of satan. Their home and all their possesions were destroyed. Twice. To stop the older generation's corruption spreading to the child's generation, the Sandaime was forced to pass a law which forbade the discussion of the demon to everyone, especially the child themselves. The Yondaime needed a child, and he wouldn't dare ask for someone elses child, so he sealed the demon within his only son. Me.”

 

With that, Naruto broke down crying, and Yukiko immediately rushed over to him and hugged him.

 

Sakura, Sasuke, Hideaki and Hiroshi just looked appauled that such a series of events could ever take place. Kakashi just looked distraught. Finally, Naruto stopped crying, and looked at Yukiko before giving her a kiss. Naruto turned to his team and just looked at them with a sad smile that barely hid a lifetime of nothing but pure suffering.

 

“So, now you know my darkest secret, huh?”

 

Sakura was the first to respond.

 

“Naruto.... I'm... Sorry... I never realised that was what happened. I'm so sorry for treating you like I have these past years. Please forgive me.”

 

With that, she hugged Naruto. Naruto slowly hugged her back. Sakura released him then turned to Sasuke, who was looking at Naruto with something like understanding.

 

“I know what you went though roughly. When I was seven, my brother murdered my entire clan by himself. He left me and only me alive, for what reason, I don't know. When I woke up after the ordeal, no one bothered to offer me any help to try and sort things out. I was just left alone. It seems that most of us are rather alike, eh Naruto?”

 

“Yukiko, would you like to tell them now, as to what happened?”

 

Yukiko just sighed and admitted it was probably the best thing to do.

 

“Just like Naruto, I have a Biju sealed inside me. Although it's not as extravagant as the king of demons which Naruto has sealed inside of him, my Biju is still very powerful. I have Nibi, the two tailed cat who is known as queen of the damned. Up until several months ago, I was completely oblivious of Nibi's existance. Then one night after I returned home from doing the grocery shopping, I began unpacking when I felt a sudden pulse of cold energy radiate out of my stomach through my whole body. I clutched my stomach, but the pain soon left. I got back to work when the pulse came back, stronger this time. It just kept coming until I fell unconcious from the pain. When I woke up, I was in a delapadated maze of corridors that were yellowed with age. I tried to ignore the pain and wake up from the dream, when I heard something that can only be described as a demonic version of a cat's hiss. I slowly got up and started searching for the origin of that noise, and I eventually found myself infront of a gaint cage. The only thing holding the cage closed was a slip of paper that spread across the edge of the doors. The slip of paper simply said 'seal'. What I saw then, no mortal was meant to see. A giant pair of glowing green eyes with yellow rims and cat like slits for puples and a mouth full of very sharp teeth appeard inside the cage. This is what I heard.”

 

When Yukiko spoke again, everyone but Naruto flinched and was chilled to the bone.

 

“Welcome little human. I have been waiting for you.”

 

Yukiko sobbed before continuing. Naruto just hugged her and patted her back.

 

“That face which I came to know as Nibi introduced herself, and said if I didn't believe she was real, to focus some chakra and look at my stomach. She said if I needed further proof, to go to the graveyard and concerntraite on her. I woke up and ignored the dream, and went to do my evening meditation. I focused some chakra, and this is what I saw.”

 

Yukiko lifted her shirt slightly and focused some chakra. Slowly, a very elaborate seal appeared on her stomach. Yukiko continued sobbing and Naruto just smiled sadly before lifting his clothing to reveal his stomach and focused some chakra to show he had a very similar seal on his. Yukiko continued on.

 

“I then ran to the graveyard and thought about the cat I had seen in my dream. By now I was backed into my last little pocket of sanity. Again the cat responded, and I snapped. I competely and utterly lost it. I screamed the most inhuman scream you've ever heard. It reverberated through the village and woke everyone up who then came to the graveyard carying some sort of impliment that was intended to do harm, whether it was a makshift weapon or a real one, it didn't matter. They wanted to kill the demon. By this time, Nibi had begun to leak this green.... Goo like chakra that surrounded my body. It didn't just surround my body, it lengthened my canines, turned my fingernails into claws, turned my eyes into emerald green with gold rimmed irises with cat like slits for pupils, and most shockingly, the green goo had taken on the form of a cat. Whatever part of my body the goo touched, I lost control of. When the goo had full control of my body, I realised I could see, hear and feel everything, but I just had no control over my actions. I saw the villagers taking steps towards me and I... I... I was forced to do a horrific technique that raised the dead from their graves. Nibi then sent the undead to hunt down the villagers while I escaped. I spent three weeks being chased by the survivng ninja all the way to the outskirts of Konoha, where I was saved by Naruto-Kun”

 

Naruto hugged Yukiko tightly and kissed her forehead. The others just stared. They were one group who had more than their fair share of hardships, weren't they. Sakura hugged Yukiko and Sasuke just gave them a sad smile. After Yukiko stopped crying, they turned back to Hiroshi. Hiroshi just smiled sadly.

 

“It seems that some people have far worse burdens than others. I am trully sorry to hear that you three have had such a hard life. If I can help ease the pain in any ways, please feel free to ask.”

 

Everyone was silent for a moment beofre Kakashi decided to break the depressing mood.

 

“Thank you for your offer, Hiroshi-Sama. But I think we should probably be discussing why we were brought here.”

 

“Ah, ever the ulitarian, Kakashi. Very well, I will fill you in on the situation. Due to the incident that Nibi forced Yukiko to do, the shinobi forces of the Village of the Snow suffered severe losses. Although I would never place the blame on Yukiko, the closed minded people of this village are unable to see how things really are. The leader of a group of thugs called the kuroi juuji gang started rallying support, crying for the 'downfall of the demon lovers' and other such nonsense. They naturally attracted a lot of attention, and their numbers soon started to surpass that of the shinobi that the Snow had. We received the exact figures 2 days ago, and we know they'regoing to make their move soon, we just don't know when. I formally request that you protect the people of this city. Please, defeat the head of the kuroi juuji gang and his most trusted ninja who is also his right hand man.”

 

“Would you happen to have any information on the names of these two individuals? Or any other information that may help us identify and/or track them?”

 

“Hai, so far we only have their names and a very brief discription of both of them. Both of them are extremely adept at keeping their wareabouts and physical descriptions well hidden. This is everything we have managed to collect so far.”

 

Hiroshi handed two pieces of paper to Kakashi before bowing his head to the ground.

 

“I beg of you Kakashi. You have served our village well once before, will you do it once again for the sake of peace and prosperity for the Village of Snow?”

 

Kakashi looked over the two identification papers. Something about that ninja bugged him. He then turned to Hiroshi and smiled.

 

“Certainly. Your village is safe with us.”

 

“Thank you Kakashi. The village will be in your debt. Now, I have had 3 rooms prepared for you. I'm terribly sorry that I could not get one for each of you, unfortunately, we have a large amount of very well respected guests staying in my mansion at this current point in time, so rooms are limited. Please understand.”

 

“It's no problem, I'm sure we can work something out.”

 

“Very well then. I have many meetings and such to attend to. If you need me for something urgently, please don't hesitate to ask a servant for me.” Hiroshi turned to Hideaki. “Hideaki?”

 

“Hai, Hiroshi-Sama?”

 

“Would you please show these people to their rooms?”

 

“Hai, Hiroshi-Sama.”

 

Hiroshi turned back to Team 7.

 

“I believe that although our talk was rather somber, I also believe it was enlightening. It was a pleasure to meet all of you. I hope you rest well. Please excuse me.”

 

Wit that said, Hiroshi raised himself off the ground and exited the room to the right. Hideaki also stood up and everyone did the same. They filed out of the door to the left and followed Hideaki in a single line. Naruto caught up and walked beside Hideaki.

 

“Neh, Hideaki-San, you were right about Hiroshi-Sama being a great guy. I can see why you like him so much.”

 

“I'm glad you think that Naruto-San. Unfortunately, few people see him as that anymore, after that incident with Yukiko-San several months ago. They view him as nothing more than a demon worshiper who helped her escape, which couldn't be further from the truth. He helped her escape not because of Nibi, but because she as a human had no chance to defend herself. It just makes me so angry that people can be so.... stupid... for lack of a better word sometimes.”

 

“I know how you feel, Hideaki-San.”

 

Hideaki stopped at 3 doors next to each other.

 

“These will be your rooms. Please make yourselves feel at home. If there's anything I can do, just ask.”

 

 

With that, Hideaki waved and walked back into the mansion. The team turned to each other deciding who will get what rooms. Kakashi finally decided.

 

“Alright, I'm going to take the middle room with Sasuke. That way if either Sakura or Naruto and Yukiko get attacked, I can get to either just as quickly. Sakura, you take the room on the right, while Yukiko and Naruto take the room on the left. However, before we turn in tonight, I want everyone to come and familiarize themselves with these people we're after.”

 

With that, they went into Kakashi's and Sasuke's room, and closed the door, unawear of the fact that they were being spied on by a misterious ninja who was hiding amongst some shubs just inside the compound.

 

“Heh, I think Kenta-Sama would want to hear about these leaf freaks.”

 

With that, the ninja hopped over the wall and dissapaeared into the night.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&

 

In a Smoke Filled Room on the Other Side of Town:

 

In a vip room of a very low brow bar on the other side of the Village of Snow from Hiroshi's mansion, a rather obease man sat on a large plush chair and started to light a cigar. Just as the cigar was about to catch alight, the room suddenly filled with a mist that put the lighter's flame out.

 

“Katsuro, I really wish you wouldn't do that.”

 

“My appologies, Kenta-Sama.”

 

“Anyways, what news do you bring?”

 

“It's just as you feared Kenta-Sama. Hiroshi has hired ninja, leaf ninja at that.”

 

The man in the chair started to light another cigar.

 

“Oh? Do you recognise any of them, Katsuro?”

 

“Most of them are a bunch of little runts, nothing but Genin who are nothing but fresh meat to feed my sword.”

 

“And what of the others?”

 

Kenta took a sip of some sort of beverage, probably an alcaholic one.

 

“They couldn't have picked a better body guard, Kenta-Sama. The runt's instructor is none other than Hatake Kakashi himself.”

 

Kenta spat out the drink started a coughing fit before looking at his right hand man in disbelief.

 

“HATAKE KAKASHI?! Are you absolutely sure of this? You better not be lieing!”

 

“His face is permanently etched into my brain from when he deafeated us last. Although he has aged slightly, I am absolutely certain it is him.”

 

“This is grave news indeed. I may have to alter my plans slightly. I want you to go back to the mansion and find out not only how much Kakashi is, but how good his little runts are as well.”

 

“Understood, Kenta-Sama.”

 

“Oh and Katsuro?”

 

“Yes, Kenta-Sama?”

 

“Try and stay out of trouble until we begin the push, ok?”

 

“Sure thing, boss.”

 

Just like he had come in, Katsuro exited the room, putting out Kenta's cigar and ruining it, forcing him to get a new one. Kenta sighed before mumbling to himself about getting Katsuro to stop doing that.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&

 

Back at the Hiroshi Mansion:

 

Ok guys and girls, these are are two primary targets. They may have other major accomplices, but these two are the main ones, got it? If you spot either of them, you are to run to me and tell me immedaitely, got it? Do not and I repeat DO NOT engage them without at least me present. Ok good, all of you go and get some sleep, it'll be a long day for us tomorrow. Good night everyone.”

 

They all filed out of Kakshi's room,and went to their respective rooms. Naruto opened the door for Yukiko and allowed her to enter first ad turned around tgive her some privacy to change. When he heard her voice that she was ready, he turned around and walked through the doorway. As he was about to enter, he got a sudden, quick pulse of killing intent. Naruto froze and whipped around, only to find no one there. He gazed along the wall suspiciously before hearing Yukiko calling out to him.

 

“Naruto-Kun? Is something wrong?”

 

Naruto felt the killer intent dissapear and shrugged it off. He'd talk about it with Kakashi tomorrow morning, for now though he just wanted to rest his body in a REAL bed for the first time in weeks.

 

“Nah, just imagining things. Let's go to sleep, Yukiko-Chan.”

 

Naruto then shut the door behind him and went over to the bed that Yukiko was getting into. Naruto then realised that he still needed to change, he got his sleeping gear and went to a corner of the room to change. Yukiko gave him some privacy as he stirpped. Hever, she couldn't help herself and took a quick peek at him. She saw him in only his boxers. He was definitely a sight to behold. Well toned biceps, and a four pack was starting to develop as well. She just blushed as perverted thoughts careened through her mind until Naruto turned around and noticed that she was staring at him. They both blushed, but said nothing. Naruto quickly donned his light blue pajama top and pants, before slipping into bed beside Yukiko. They both looked at rach other before having a short but passionate goodnight kiss.

 

“Night, Naruto-Kun, my Nine-Tailed Fox. Sleep well.”

 

“You too Yukiko-Chan, my Two-Tailed Cat. Night.”

 

With that, they just went to sleep in each other's arms wanting the moment to last forever.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&

 

8 am. Next Morning:

 

Everyone had woken up and gotten dressed. They were now in Kakashi's room, deciding their course of action.

 

“Guys, I'm sorry to say that this is no longer a lower A class mision, or an A class mission at all for that matter.”

 

Everyone was shocked, especially Naruto.

 

“Eh? What do you mean no longer an A class mission, Kakashi-Sensei?”

 

“The right hand man of Kenta was known as one of the 7 Shinobi Swordsmen. That by itself is enough to bump this up to an upper A class mission, but I fear that Naruto and Yukiko's lives are in grave danger, and if my suspicious proves correct, this mission has become a mission that only someone of Kage level could undertake, which bumps this up to an middle S class mission at the least. If this turns out to be true, you two will be killed and there's nothing any of us can do to stop it.”

 

Everyone was now in disbelief, especially Naruto and Yukiko.

 

“Kakashi-Sensei? Who's so strong that even you can't protect us?”

 

“I suppose I had to tell you sooner or later. There is an organisation of all S ranked missing-nins. They call themselves Akatski. They have a goal, and a disgusting one at that. They plan to gather all the demon containers from around the world and drain the container's demons for their own personal gain, thereby killing the host body. The weakest member is ranked as a middle S ranked ninja. I'm ranked as an upper A ranked ninja.”

 

Yukiko still didn't see what this organisation had to do with the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen.

 

“Kakashi-Sensei, what does Akatski have to do with this mission? How are they related to the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen?”

 

“The most powerful member of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen is now a member of Akatski. If they become involved, we have no choice but to abandon this mission. We got into something way over our heads.”

 

“Who is this member of Akatski, Kakshi-Sensei?”

 

“His name is Hoshigake Kisame. Sasuke, this has to do with you as well. Kisame is usually seen with a former member of the leaf. Your brother.”

 

With that, Sasuke bristled considerably.

 

“My brother is around here?!”

 

“We're not certain, Sasuke. Even if he was, I refuse to let you engage him. You can't beat me yet, and he could kill me without even breaking a sweat. Don't worry Sasuke, I'll see to it that when the time comes, you'll be ready to face your brother. Until then, I`m going to avoid all possible contact with anyone from Akatski. You'll know when you meet a member of Akatski by their black cloaks with red clouds on them and their straw hats that have white strips of paper coming off the hats. If you see anyone even remotely like that, run. Do not stop running until you can run no further. Do I make myself clear?”

 

Everyone slowly nodded, including Sasuke.

 

“Good. Now, I would like all of you to come with me to meet with Hiroshi-Sama and tell him about my discovery.”

 

Again they all nodded and filed out of the room and headed to the meeting room.

 

Once they were there, they took their seats and Hideaki and Hiroshi came into the room. They smiled before bowing slightly and beginning the conversation.

 

“Ah, Kakashi. I trust you slept well?”

 

“I wish I could say I did, Hiroshi-Sama. Unfortunately, the identity of Kenta's right hand man has been plaguing my mind all night. This morning, I finally figured out who he was. I regret to say that this mission is no longer an A class mission.”

 

Hiroshi and Hideaki opened their eyes in surprise.

 

“What do you mean, Kakashi?”

 

“Kenta's right hand man was once part of a group of ninjas from the Hidden Village of the Mist who identified themselves as the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen. That alone bumps this up to an upper A class mission. However, there's more.”

 

“More? How could it be any worse than that?”

 

“Hiroshi-Sama, we accepted a mission that was over all of our heads. The most powerful of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen is now part of a criminal organisation that identifies themselves as the Akatski. Have you heard of them before, Hiroshi-Sama?”

 

“I have heard myths about them, but nothing more. Please give me some background on them.”

 

“Akatski is an organisation of missing-nins that are comprised of only the strongest ninjas in the world. The weakest of them is at least a middle S ranked ninja in my Bingo Book. I fear that if my suspicions are true, that the strongest member of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen will turn up hear and attempt to abduct both Naruto and Yukiko. The sole goal of Akatski is to round up all nine demon containers and drain them o their demons, thereby killing the demon's hosts. Also, it's known that the Akatski usually travel in pairs. Hoshigake Kisame is the name of the former member of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen. His partner from what we have been able to make out from the limited reports available is a former ninja of Konoha, possibly one of the mot powerful genius' we ever had. His name is Uchiha Itachi, Sasuke's older brother.”

 

Hiroshi and Hideaki's eyes widened in fear.

 

“I appologise for not telling you this, Kakashi, but we had no idea of the true identity of this ninj or the implications…”

 

“Don't worry, Hiroshi-Sama. It's understandable. We will not abandon our mission unless Akatski becomes involved. We need you to understand that even a single member of Akatski is far beond us, and Naruto and Yukiko's lives take priority over this mission. We're sorry to bring you such bad news, Hiroshi-Sama.”

 

“On the contrary, Kakashi, I have to thank you for bringing this to my attention. Any new information about either of these two is very welcome. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?”

 

“No, Hiroshi-Sama, that is all.”

 

“I see. Again thank you for this information. Good luck with your mission. Please excuse me, I must go and update my forces on this. Have a pleasant day.”

 

“You too, Hiroshi-Sama.”

 

With that, everyone exited the room and Kakashi decided it was time to do some serious training. These kids had no idea of what they were up against, and although it wasn't much, he should be able to teach them some basic survival skills.

 

“Ok guys, I've decided to come up with a training regime to get you guys ready for combat. Let's go to the edge of town, we need to find some tall trees for this exercise.”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&

 

10 Minutes Later on the Outskirts of the Village:

 

Kakashi stopped in front of four rather tall trees and turned to his students.

 

“Ok guys, I'm going to teach you how to control your charka by learning to climb trees. Without your hands.”

 

“Everyone but Yukiko just stared at Kakashi with fish eyes.

 

“EH?!”

 

“Basically, you are going to use your charka to stick to the trees. Basically, you gather the charka to the soles of your feet and moderate it carefully. Too much charka, and the tree will repel you. Too little, and you'll just fall off. I guess that's about all I can tell you on how to do it. I'll show you how it's done.”

 

With that, Kakashi walked to one of the trees and stopped in front of it. He closed his eye and then put his foot on the tree and began walking up the trunk with his hands in his pockets as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura just stared at him while Yukiko was clearly unimpressed. Kakashi stopped and decided to walk along a branch. However, knowing Kakashi, he decided to show off and hang from the branch upside down without using his hands.

 

“That's basically it. Now, you four.”

 

Kakshi threw four kunai at them which landed at their feet.

 

“Use those to mark your progress up the tree. Also, I suggest a running start to help you get a bit of momentum. Go when ready.”

 

Just as Naruto was about to charge in, Yukiko grabbed his arm.

 

“Eh? What's up, Yukiko-Chan?”

 

Yukiko just whispered her answer in his ear.

 

“Despite what Kakashi-Sensei said about getting a running start, I think that would be a bad idea for you. There is another way of doing it, although it requires more charka, it is actually easier to do. I think my method is a better way of learning it.”

 

“Ok, I'm interested, go on.”

 

“Basically, go up to the tree and put one foot on the tree. Focus you charka to the point where you feel that your foot is stable, then put your other foot up and do the same. It's slow, but it usually works on the first or second try. I'll tell you what. If you do it first try, I'll give you a kiss, ok?”

 

Naruto's eyes widened. That was the sort of motivation he needed.

 

“You're on! Ok, here I go.”

 

Naruto calmly walked up to the tree and put a foot on it, followed by his other. Yukiko also walked up to the tree and began her accent. Both of them climbed at an equal pace, Yukiko purposly kept pace with Naruto, smiling at him al the time. Naruto and Yukiko after abut a minute reached the top of their trees. Naruto let out a victory yell and forgot about focusing his charka and just fell off the tree. Yukiko screamed, but Naruto managed to land on a snow covered branch and use his charka to swing around it upside down and smiled sheepishly while scratching the back of his head. Yukiko sighed in relief, before running back down the tree, and Naruto dropped down too. Yukiko ran over t Naruto and gave him a hug and a kiss, before playfully beating his chest.

 

“BAKA! Don't scare me like that! I was so worried…”

 

“Eh heh heh, sorry Yukiko-Chan, I forgot to focus my charka for a second. But I'm still alive so it's all good, isn't it?”

 

“I suppose you're right.”

 

Suddenly, a cal from the top of another tree caught their attention.

 

“Hey, this isn't so hard after all!”

 

There sitting on a branch at the top of a tree was Sakura. It seems she made it first go too.

 

“Eh? Good work, Sakura-Chan!”

 

The only person who was left was Sasuke. He paled quite noticeably before he turned to Naruto and gave him a very odd look.

 

“Neh… Naruto… What did Yukiko tell you about focusing your charka?”

 

Seeing that Naruto was in a position of power, he decided to take advantage of it.

 

“Well, if I tell you, will you teach me that fire jutsu after this?”

 

Sasuke saw he was in no position to bargain, so he sighed and nodded his head.

 

“Yatta! Ok basically, what you have to do is…”

 

Naruto said the rest as a whisper in Sasuke's ear. Sasuke nodded at regular intervals, before Naruto finished and Sasuke smiled.

 

“Thanks Naruto. I'll teach you that fire jutsu after this.”

 

“Ok, go for it, Sasuke!”

 

Sasuke walked up to his tree and stopped. He closed his eyes and focused his charka to the base of his feet and then placed his right foot on the tree before placing his left foot on the tree and continued in that fashion. Soon enough, Sasuke reached the top. Naruto smiled and gave a thumbs up while Kakahsi just smiled at his team.

 

“Well it seems that you all mastered this exercise with ease. Ok guys, this was unexpected, as I thought most of you would at least take several hours to complete this exercise. Ok guys and girls, take the next two hours of to train in whatever you want in this general area. I'll be sitting here if you need me.”

 

“Ok, later Kakashi-Sensei! Neh, Sasuke, could you show me that fire jutsu now?”

 

“I guess. Let's go over here.”

 

“Neh, Yukiko-Chan, Ill see you in several hours, ok?”

 

Naruto gave Yukiko a hug and a quick kiss before running over to Sasuke. Yukiko had an idea on what would be a good training exercise for herself and Sakura.

 

“Sakura-San, I've noticed that you have extremely precise charka control. I'd say you would be well suited to medical abilities. Would you like me to start teaching you some of the basics of medical ninjutsu?”

 

Sakura thought this would be the a good opportunity. She may actually be able to use medical ninjutsus to win Sasuke-Kun's heart!

 

“You think so? Ok, I'd love to learn some of the basics of medicine.”

 

“Great, let's go over here and start off with the basics.”

 

Kakashi sighed and pulled out that little red book that we've all come to know and hate and began reading while giggling like a little school girl at random intervals.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&

 

Nearly Two Hours Later with Naruto and Sasuke:

 

“Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!”

 

with said announcement, a moderately sized fireball appeared and scorched the already burnt ground. Sasuke was impressed. Naruto was keeping up with the pace that Sasuke had maintained when he learnt it.

 

“Naruto, I think you might actually be a natural at fire jutsus. You're setting a good pace. Keep this up and you may be almost as good as me. Almost”

 

“Heh, thanks for the compliment. By the way, what exactly do you think I'm doing wrong? I'm pumping a decent amount of charka into the technique. I don't know what else I'm doing wrong…”

 

“Do it again. Let me see if I can find what's wrong.”

 

“Ok.”

 

Naruto focused again and let forth another fireball, this one slightly larger than the last. Sasuke finally figured out what the problem was.

 

“Naruto. I think I've found the problem. You're not mixing the charka and air right. Try focusing on the mixture of the two, and try and imagine that the chakra is kind of like a flame, while the air is like a rush of explosive gas. That's what I did when I was learning this technique, and that's what I found made me do the technique properly. Give it a try.”

 

Naruto closed his eyes and focused before doing the appropriate hand seals and calling out his technique.

 

“Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!”

 

This time, the result was very different to the previous ones. Naruto let one massive fireball go, which made its way through the forest, incinerating everything in its path. The fireball finally died down about fifty meters from where Naruto stood. Sasuke whistled at the spectacle.

 

“Not bad. Not bad at all. I knew I was right when I said you were a natural at fire techniques. Good work, Naruto. I think you've got this one covered.”

 

Naruto let forth a rather loud “YATTA!” before putting his arm around Sasuke.

 

“Naruto, although you're happy, I'd appreciate it if you didn't hug me in such a…. Familiar way…”

 

Naruto released his hold on Sasuke before giving his trademark foxy grin and scratched the back of his head.

 

“Sorry, Sasuke.”

 

“No problem. Now, let's head back.”

 

“Yeah!”

 

They walked back to the group rather pleased with themselves. They saw that the two girls were rather pleased as well. Naruto was the first to break the silence.

 

“So, what kind of training did you do, Yukiko-Chan, Sakura-Chan?”

 

“Well, I saw how easily Sakura mastered the tree climbing exercise, so it occurred to me that Sakura should at least be half decent at medical ninjutsu. Boy was I surprised, she not only half decent, she's got the ability to become a very good medic, possibly almost as good as me.”

 

“Wow, way to go Sakura-Chan!”

 

“Thanks, Naruto. By the way, how did Naruto do with the fire technique, Sasuke-Kun?”

 

“I thought Naruto would have no hope at it before we started, but he proved me to be very wrong. Not only did he manage to master it, I think Naruto might be a natural at fire jutsus.”

 

“I'm impressed with the four of you. All of you have been progressing nicely. I've decided that we can go on a data gathering mission to find out more about our enemies. Remember what I said about the rules of engagement. If you spot them, run and tell me immediately. DO NOT engage. Understood?”

 

“Hai!”

 

“Ok kids, let's go into town.”

 

Yukiko suddenly looked sullen

 

“Kakashi-Sensei, may I go to my former apartment? I… want to go there for personal reasons…”

 

Kakashi looked at Yukiko with sadness.

 

“Yeah, that's fine, although I want you to take one other person with you to watch your back. I can't afford to have us split up by ourselves. I assume you want to take Naruto with you?”

 

“Hai.”

 

“Ok, meet back at Hiroshi-Sama's mansion in 2 hours. Let's go everyone.”

 

Kakshi, Sakura and Sasuke wondered off towards some part of town while Naruto and Yukiko waked hand in hand towards Yukiko's former apartment.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&

 

Yukiko's Apartment:

 

Yukiko stopped outside a run down block of apartments. Yukiko took out a key from one of her pockets and walked towards her apartment only to find that the door had been blown in. They carefully snuck inside to find that the whole apartment had been trashed. Yukiko looked on in horror at the mess. Yukiko ran through the mess to what was her room. She went to the remains of her desk and saw that her family