Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Crossing to the Other side ❯ Parties and Plans ( Chapter 7 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
“So if I understand you correctly,” Tsunade glared pointedly at the Frog hermit, “Your sensei and Jiriaya look the same?” Kat was standing directly across from the Hokage's desk her hands clasped behind her back one leg twitching every now and then.
“Hai!” she answered the blonde woman.
It had taken the better part of an hour to resolve the issues and circumstances that had come to a boil in the former sannin's office, which was now minus one chair being as it was pulverized by the Godaimne's legendary strength. That event alone sat Kat on the defensive and she had drawn away from the woman slipping into a fighting stance almost instantly. She had fortunately backed into Naruto's chest and the blonde shinobi put his arm around her waist pining her arms down before she could draw a kunai, at the same time telling her not to worry this was normal for `Baa-chan and Ero-sennin'. It took her a moment but she relaxed her stance and the boy released her. Now she was watching the same woman a good distance from both the hokage and Jiriaya, her right eyelid twitching.
“Only Arata-sensei has a long white beard and he wears black says red is to powerful a color.” She couldn't stop the scowl she sent the perverted hermit. Behind her smothered laughter could be heard along with some snorting the only one not restraining themselves was Naruto and he was practical rolling on the floor.
“AH HAHAHA ahhh.. Ero-Sennin..HEHEHE.” Blue eyes shinning with tears the teen clutched his sides and pointed at the hermit, Tsunade rolled her eyes clearing her throat and the noise subsided slowly.
“So! Now we have that all cleared up, Team Kakashi.” Each of them came to attention immediately even Naruto who was still snickering quietly. “You are dismissed I don't have any further missions for the next..” she glanced at the stack of papers in front of her groaning, “week and a half so if you have any plans then by all means take care of them you may go.” Black and green eyes sparked with the heavy hinting grinning well Sakura and Kakashi grinned and Sasuke kept his usual mask of indifference in place.
“Oi what about Kat?” Sakura grabbed her confused teammate and proceeded to drag him out of the office.
“Come on Naruto I want some ramen.” The blonde grinned and was soon dragging the pink haired kunichi Sasuke and Kakashi right behind them. Turning back to the girl in front of her Tsunade smiled as reassuringly as she could.
“Well my dear what don't you tell me what you didn't tell Kakashi.”
Ichirka Ramen Stand
10 empty bowls where stacked in front of a blonde young man at the moment he was leaning back rubbed his full stomach contentedly his three most precious people sitting on either side of him. Smiling absently to himself as they conversed, yes they thought him adequately distracted from the goings on in Tsunade-baa-chan's office and oft times in this kind of situation he would let them continue to think that but for reason he didn't know this was different.
“Dobe what are you smiling about?” Sasuke nudged the blonde in his ribs. “As if I didn't know.”
Rubbing his stomach with more enthusiasm “Ramen!” it was all the other ninja needed to know. Standing he put his money down for his and his companions meals and walked away motioning for the others to follow him. When he reached his destination which was the roof of his apartment he lay back gazing at the stars, it didn't take long for the others to arrive Kakashi leaned against the telephone pole Sasuke and Sakura sat on either side of him.
“So what did you want dobe and why did you pay for all of us.” The disgruntled tone came from the Uchiha heir, it wasn't often Naruto was able to do something like take his friends to dinner and he never told them when he was going to pay for every one it was funnier this way because then Sasuke and Sakura couldn't argue with him and the Uchiha as acted disgruntled. It didn't help that the blonde would mess with him for days after words that he was his date which irritated the dark haired teen to no end or he would tell him he was poor when they both knew that was no where near the truth. The only one who knew why Naruto chose to pay for every one when he could was Kakashi, the Jounin had drawn his own conclusions at first then after some careful investigation involving a certain academy teacher who couldn't hold his liquor very well, the Chunnin told Kakashi that Naruto felt that his importune family, consisting of himself and team 7, deserved what he could give them and since the teen was to embarrassed to actually say he loved them where they could hear it he bought things for them that each really wanted and meals when ever he could it was his way of letting them now how truly important they were to him and that made him happier then anything in the world to see them happy and chatting in his presence.
All of this played though Kakashi's mind at Sasuke's question, he was reasonably certain that the darker teen knew as well but it had become a comfortable routine for the two boys, giving them an even stronger sense of familiar ties like arguing with a sibling. Since Sasuke's return the three had become almost inseparable their team work was flawless to the point where they didn't even have to talk during a fight the level of trust they had in one another allowing them to complete mission's swiftly rivaling even the ANBU teams. He came back to the present rather quickly at Naruto's low laugh.
“Do you ever wonder what's out there?” He was still looking at the stars. Sakura raised her eyebrows at the question confused.
“I don't mean in the world but in the sky, are there other worlds like ours?” Curiosity heavy in his tone. Sasuke glanced at Naruto out of the corner of his eye this was new the blonde was general happy go lucky content with the present the only future goal he had was becoming Hokage and he would have that relatively soon. This new introspective aspect of his adopted brother was a little disturbing.
“Kakashi-sensei, what do you think happened to that clone Diedra used?” Kakashi was stunned struggling to keep his expression blank he answered the teen.
“Not really no, why do you ask Naruto?” he had a sinking sensation he knew what was coming next.
“Kat thought Ero-sennen was her sensei..” At this the teen paused organizing his thoughts carefully before continuing, “What if when you sent it to the other dimension to explode it hurt some one there?” The silver haired Jounin contemplated the teen's question surprised that Naruto was able to draw the two events together when it hadn't even crossed his mind yet. Both teens on either side of the blonde looked down at him eyes wide but the boy had his eyes closed deep in thought.
“Naruto where I sent that clone had no human life or any life for that matter but that is a very observant question.” Lips in a smile the teen opened his eyes to find two faces hovering over his.
“Are you alright Naruto?” Sakura asked worried. She placed the back of one hand on his forehead a small blush crept up his neck to his cheeks and he gently pushed Sakura's hand away before sitting up wrapping his arms around his legs and resting his chin on his knees.
“I'm fine Sakura-chan just thinking there might be more ramen some where else too.” Foxy grin in place his gaze directed at the roof tops surrounding them, and if they were any other people besides team 7 they would have missed the darkening of his eyes and the way he carefully replaced his mask of goofiness.
“Baka.” Sakura grumbled at the blonde before hugging him, even Sasuke managed to give the impression of hugging his friend without actually moving. Kakashi watched his little make shift family, yes even he felt part of it the ties of family again, these three had wormed their way into his heart becoming very precious to him, he wasn't exactly sure when it happened but there you have it.
“Well I hate to break up this party but…I do have a hot date to night and Iruka-sense wanted to see you as soon as we got back Naruto.” Kakashi motioned to the teen who stood up blushing still. Sasuke and Sakura stood as well nodding to the blonde they leap from his roof top heading in opposite directions, Kakashi waved to the blonde and was about to disappear himself when he was stopped by Naruto's shout.
“OI, I almost forgot! Wait here.” Jumping down to his window the blonde disappeared into his apartment appearing moments later with a yellow-jacketed hardback in hand which he handed to Kakashi with a sheepish grin.
“Ero-sennin gave me two this time, said it was easier for him this way.” The grin on the teens face gave the jounin some idea what was on the cover. Icha Icha Confessions he gasped clutching the book to his chest with a glint in his eye, so happy about another volume not yet released to the public he almost forgot the plan he and the others had concocted.
“Th-this is..I have to go.” A poof of smoke and leaves and the jounin was gone. Naruto stood on his roof for a several seconds grinning, then he scowled.
“Oi no body wished me happy birthday!” his indignant expression remained on his face for a short while before shrugging it off and heading to Iuka-sensei's.
“Ok EVERYBODY! He should be here any minute so go hide!” Brown hair in his customary ponytail, the academy teacher gestured his guests out of the main living area and into their respective hiding places. The whole of the rookie nine and team Gai where present, over the years each had loosed up considerably after meeting the blonde hurricane changing for the better. Even the Kazekage Gaara, who not being able to attend the party had sent a rather impressive gift of the wind countries specialty desserts, knowing the blonde as he did Iruka just knew that by the end of the night the teen would have consumed them all while being careful to make sure ever one got some no matter what. Just as he felt the last person masking their chakra he felt the familiar chakra of his favorite student nearing his home, a few seconds later his door was being knocked on and he had to focus so he could hide his excitement. Stepping into his entryway he opened his door and was promptly swallowed in a bear hug by the teen.
“Iruka-sensei!” Naruto's exuberant greeting carried into he living room where several people had to clamp there mouths shut to keep from laughing as the man was spun around his face turning blue from lack of oxygen.
“Naruto put me down please.” The teen grinned sheepish and rubbed the back of his head after putting the other man down.
“Sorry otou.” The boys face turned a shade of red at what he had just unconsciously called his former senesi, Iruka acted first he hugged the young man a small tear trailing down one cheek before he stepped back his hands on both of Naruto's shoulders.
“I don't mind if you call me that.” Naruto beamed he hadn't meet to say it, as a matter of fact he never meant to say because he was afraid of how Iruka would react and now that he had and the other man was left with out a doubt as to how the boy felt towards him he was even happier. It almost made him forget that he had people in his house waiting to surprise the blonde.
“Oh Naruto come in come in I have some things I need to talk to you about, by the way happy birthday.” Heading backing down the short hall Naruto followed talking to him.
“Oi, I have something to tell you too, thanks for remembering the others didn't but that's ok we…” his voice trailed off as they entered the darkened living room. “Otou, somethings not right in here.” He stiffened he could smell scents that weren't a normal part of Iruka's home but he couldn't sense any chakra his instincts going on high alert his eyes shifted changing color to red the pupils slitting and he sniffed the air, the scents tingled his memory and his claw tipped fingers flexed, all that took place during the time it took Iruka to walk across the room and flick on the lights the signal for every one to unmask them selves. Naruto blinked at the sudden light change his eyes were still red and slitted but both his fangs and claws were already disappearing as the chakra signatures of his friends and family revealed themselves. Huffing and rubbing the back of his head they surrounded him thumping him on the back as red faded to blue no one was to worried about the change the blonde exhibited they knew it was going to happen so they ribbed him good naturedly about it.
“Oi Naruto, I guess you don't like surprise parties after all.” Kiba punched the blonde on the arm lightly.
“I do just wasn't expecting it.” He aimed a punch back at the other teen just as Rock Lee appeared doing his good guy pose smiling widely.
“It's good to see you again Naruto-kun.” The green clad shinobi announced while keeping an eye out for Sakura. The kunichi had disappeared into the kitchen with Iruka to help with the cake along with Hinata and Ino, Iruka emerged shortly after the three women having been kicked out of his own kitchen.
“So Naruto,” Kiba asked drawing the blonde's attention, “What did you get for your birthday?” A pink bomb clobbered the young man on the back of the head.
“Kiba Hinata-chan needs help in the kitchen!” Sakura pointed imperiously in that direction and the young man ducking under her arm retreated without further damage, focusing back on Naruto she pulled the blonde to the table calling out to the others to gather around him.
“Sakura-chan what are you doing?” Naruto asked worriedly. Last year they had been on a mission so getting a happy birthday then about it he was happy though for just that, the pervious 2 years had been about the same with a battle with Orochimaru thrown in for good measure and anything before that the only person to celebrate by taking him for ramen was Iruka-sensei who manage to get him a new kunai or other such gift that a ninja would need.
Sasuke's lips twitched briefly and he thumped the blonde on the back of the head.
“Dobe, sit down.”
“Teme!” Sasuke shook his head shoving him into the seat as Kiba and Hinata entered from the kitchen with a huge chocolate cake with candles on top that flickered as they walked.
“Why's it on fire?!” The teen demanded.
“Its not on fire baka you blow the candles out while you make a wish!” Shikamiru grumbled. “So troublesome.” Naruto's eyes widened he was stupid he'd seen this a few times on the road with Jiriaya when he was training and even been part of it with Konohamaru who was currently grinning from ear to ear at him this was the first time however that he was on the receiving end of said cake. He rubbed the back of his nervously he didn't want to disappoint anyone by screwing this up as the cake was set down the heat from the candles surrounding his face he felt a tear try to escape and he had to concentrate to keep it in check it almost fell however when a warm hand dropped on his shoulder and it turned out to be Sasuke's. Taking a deep breath he made his wish.
“I wish for the Leaf to be safe always!” and with that he blew out the candles, “And to be Hokage!” he shouted grinning up at everyone.
”Your not supposed to say it out loud, baka.” Sakura rolled her eyes. `Sometimes!' she thought.
”Your not supposed to say it out loud, baka.” Sakura rolled her eyes. `Sometimes!' she thought.
Tsunade was still sitting at her desk contemplating this new development and the problems it presented. On the one hand who ever this girl was she was trained and wanted to be a ninja enough so that she was willing to go into the academy despite her age, the chakra she possessed was impressive but it remained to be seen what her intentions where. Tsunade drummed her fingers on her desk, taking a drink from her Sake cup she sighed tomorrow she had a meeting with the counsel elders and that would mean telling them about the new addition to the village but she thought it didn't mean the older farts needed to know every thing, did it.
The hokage turned to look out her window, Katsuo-san had left a short while ago heading to Iruka's to meet back up with Kakashi and his team. She had wanted to be there at Naruto's party but circumstances had not allowed for it, so instead Jiriaya had gone for the both of them so Tsunade could finish her interrogation of the younger woman.
“Being Hokage is so troublesome.” She rubbed her temples groaning, “Great now I'm starting to sound like that Nara kid.” She smiled softly she had her present for Naruto and after tomorrow after her meeting she could give it to him.
“Are you planning on following me all the way there from the roofs, it would be easier if you just walked with me.” Kat peered up into the night sky. The Hokage wasn't a fool, Kat could appreciate the precautions the other woman was taking she was a stranger in her home and protecting her family and people. A shadow dropped to the ground beside her, standing up he was taller then her he had a toothpick in his mouth and a bandanna covering the top of his head on the front the forehead protector with the villages symbol on the front.
“Well yes I was but you are right walking with you is easier.” His lips turned up in a slight smile, Kat rolled her eyes continuing to walk.
“Do you know where you are going?” he asked pleasantly. She took a moment to answer,
“Yes Tsunade-sama gave me directions.” She taped the side of her head looking at the man out of the corner of her eye not stopping. Beside them the river flowed carrying leaves that had falling in away. They walked in silence the rest of the way to Iruka's, Kat studying the man next to her.
“So what's your name?”
“Shiranui Genma.” Kat waited but he didn't volunteer any more information. She was really surprised by the lack but it was frustrating.
“You know, that is really irritating.” She growled he gave her an amused look but still didn't speak. Having a strong desire to huff Kat bit the inside of her cheek; she was acting like a child and so out of the ordinary for herself since coming her. She didn't like not being in control of her own reactions but then again no one as of yet responded in the way she was used to. Stopping abruptly she turned to face the man beside her and bowed deeply they were less then a block from Iruka's home and Genma had signaled to the ANBU trailing them that it was ok to leave.
“Gomen, Genma-sama.” Straightening up Kat extended her hand to him, the Jounin looked shocked for a moment then took her hand. “My temper is short, and I have responded inappropriately I hope to rectify that in the future the next time we meet.” Kat bowed again. He released her hand and started forward again.
“Genma.” Spoken softly his words reached her ears, she smiled.
“Kat.” He nodded his head then jumping to the nearest roof to report back to the Hokage he left.
“Where is she?” The cloaked and hooded figure demanded. The woman Kimiri hunched her shoulders, he green hair was orange.
“She is in the company of the Jinchunnckri and we believe they have returned to the Hidden Leaf Village.” She silently cursed Susumu it was his idea to send her in to tell their employer the girl got away and to the Hidden Leaf no less. Nothing would stop the man from killer any more then killing the other to why they thought she stood a better chance of surviving this encounter.. Her Thoughts were brought to an abrupt halt as a hand clamped around her throat raising the hapless woman off the floor her feet dangling. She clutched his fingers as they dug into her neck chocking off her air.
“Now I have to go and get her on my own. Your Three are of no longer use to me.” Kimri didn't have time to think as her neck was snapped. Her body went limp, her companions watched in horror as her body lost control of its self and her bowls and bladder voided themselves. Then the two remaining where engulfed in flames screaming in agony, as they were first tortured then killed.
“So much trouble for one small girl.” The shadow hissed.