Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Equality Naruto ❯ nightmares and confrontation ( Chapter 13 )

[ A - All Readers ]

Nightmares & Confrontations

“So this is Snow Country, it's kind of laid back.” Anko summarized aloud as she wondered down the early morning streets. `I'm starting to suspect this kid's more than just some random hyperactive, knuckle headed, dropout. All this seems too planned out.' Shaking her head, she decided to get something to eat before looking for the blonde. After fifteen minutes of desperate searching it became clear that she wasn't going to get to eat what she wanted, sadly she decided to get at the next restaurant she saw. Looking straight ahead something caught her eye. `It can't be… can it?' Taking a deep breath she started jogging forward, the object of her desire becoming increasingly clearer with each step. `IT IS!'

“Dongo!!!” The yell echoed around the small village; startling early risers and workers alike.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~

“W-what's going on?” Naruto whispered, while checking his surroundings. “Where am I?”

It was currently sundown and Naruto was standing in the middle of a very beautiful village. He stood, confused doing nothing for the better part of five minutes. “How did I get here?” He scanned his surroundings taking in the scenery while trying to answer his previous questions.

Finally growing tired of the same scenery, he decided wondering around lost, was a lot better than standing still in the middle of the street. He couldn't help the small since of dÃ©jÃ vu that coursed through him as he wondered throughout the village.

`I've lost it! How can I remember a place I've never been to?'

While pondering this mystery, he turning the corner of a particularly large building, where he came face to face with a monument even a fool, would be hard pressed to forget. There in front of him stood the Hokage Monument, standing tall and proud even in the waning daylight.

“I'm home?”

His body instinctively tensed then relaxed. Mixed feelings flooded through him, betrayal, love, pain, happiness, but even though the bad out weighed the good, a small smile still managed to spread across his face, as he looked upon the Hokage Monument.

“I'm home.”

Deciding Ichiraku Ramen could wait, he headed towards the Hokage Tower, intent on seeing Jijii-san. While walking he couldn't help, being taken in by his surroundings. It almost looked just as he'd left it, but there was one major difference; there were no criticizing or hateful glares from villagers. But something was bothering him…

`How did I get everyone's respect?'

An unexpected loud explosion erupted off in the distance, causing everyone's heads whirl around in search of the commotions source. Naruto's eye's locked on his destination; a sense of dread filled his heart as his light walk, turned into a desperate sprint.

000ooooOOOO

A few minutes later he'd made his way to the Hokage Tower, up the stair, and was making a `B-line' for the Hokages' room.

Naruto slid to a stop in front of the door and jerked it open. For a second his heart stopped in shock; the room was perfect, just like always. He took a deep breath to calming himself so he could think straight; he'd scared himself half to death expecting something to be wrong. Walking behind The Thirds' desk he looked down upon the village; seeing everything just as it should be. Closing his eyes, he placed his forehead against the window and relaxed.

Just as he was about to call himself stupid from his self induced panic attack, is when everything went to hell. The place he called home for the first Ten years of his life suddenly became a place of utter chaos. It started with the Hokage Monument; all the Kages faces suddenly exploded sending flaming balls of rock showering down upon Konoha, lighting anything and everything they touched on fire.

“No… T-this can't be happening.” Laughter erupted from outside and Naruto found himself looking at the Hokage Monument in disbelief.

There; emerging from the flaming monument, was The KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ in all his flaming glory.

“I'll destroy you, then the rest of this pitiful village. I'll leave nothing but ash in my wake,and you will aid me.” Naruto watched in horror as the beast snarled; showing off his large, sharp, white fangs before charging straight towards him.

Naruto took a step back in fear before his mind suddenly came to an abrupt realization.

`I'm dreaming this is all in my mind!' Naruto started laughing which caused the great beast to stop its charge. “Has the prospect of death driven you to insanity,hairless ape?”

“This is only a dream you stupid fox! You can't do anything to me! So get out of my head!” Naruto watched as the fox seemed to smirk, or was it a smile. Well whatever it was suddenly made him feel as if he'd made a huge miscalculation.

“I can't touch you physically, but what becomes of thosewho'vehad their mindscrushed?” The fox was smiling as it stalked Naruto's prone form. The great beast was now hovered over him.

“Are you ready to die?” With out waiting for an answer, the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ descended upon Naruto, egger to deliver the final blow. Naruto felt the heat from the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ as it proceeded with its killing blow. He could feel the heat getting closer, and closer then…

“I'm going to die! It's so…… clod!?”

Slowly opening his eye Naruto looked around him. “W-what the hell?” He spun around in a circle. `How in the world did that happen?' A giant wall of what seemed to be, ice, was surrounding him, and slowly forcing the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ to retreat; for the walls were expanded.

Naruto stood with his mouth agape, and slowly walked the circumference of the room. The wall was obviously very strong, because the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ had already charged twice and hadn't made a crack in the icy wall.

Letting out a breath of complete exhaustion he fell backwards onto his butt. “Oh man I'm being attacked in my own mind isn't this rich?” Looking up for the first time Naruto's eyes locked with the Great fox, it was up to something, and it wasn't bothering to hind it either. He watched as the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ charged then leapt into the air. That's when Naruto finally noticed.

“There's no ceiling. Then why aren't I scared?” The KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ suddenly leapt to the side as a large spike of ice came falling from the sky, nearly impaling the great beast.

Naruto blinked a couple of timed confused. `Where?' as if on cue the black smoke that once covered the skies move to reveal two lavender moons slowly circling above.

“These pitiful defenses will fall as I gain more power. I will be free! Until then don't die.” The KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ suddenly disappeared along with the illusion of Konoha. Naruto now stood very close to a large gate with the word `Seal' mounted high upon the center bar.

“The fox's cage, how'd I get here?” He quickly moved away form the cage and dropped against the opposite wall. Taking a deep breath he tired to relax and as he did…..

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~

Anko sighed in content as she finished her meal. “Delicious, as always!” Anko turned her sights on a picture of Naruto that was now pinned to the wall by a multitude of wooden skewers. Picking up her last Skewer she launched it at the picture; nailing Naruto in the forehead.

With a full stomach she decided it was time to continue her hunt. Just as she was standing up a hawk flew through the window and landed on the table in front of her. Slightly surprised she looked down at the bird only to discover it was a disguised Konoha carrier. Quickly removing the message she started reading. Word after word, completed another sentence, which in turn pull forth another emotion from Anko; angry, fury, surprise, honor, but before these emotions could settle one last emotion surfaced; worry. She was worried that the tasks asked of her were slightly overwhelming. Taking a deep breath she read the letter once more, just as a shinobi should; calm and emotionless.

----------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------

Konohagakure

Mission Class: “S”

Issued Orders From: The Third Hokage; Sarutobi

The information contained within this letter contains “S-Class” secrets and information that's not to be discussed with anyone except myself.

Anko, this will be the last letter of communication between Konoha and yourself for the next two to three years due to a multitude of problems outside and within Konoha, as such, your mission has been altered.

Your mission is no longer to find and retrieve Naruto Uzumaki, but find and train him for the next three years of his life. Before doing anything foolish you will finish reading this letter. As you know my student Jiraiya left Konoha years ago when his team mate, and your former sensei, Orochimaru, betrayed Konoha and fled the village. Jiraiya pursued him, trying to convince his friend to come back. Orochimaru refused and attacked Jiraiya, turning his back on Konoha forever. While he tried to find a reason for Orochimaru's defection, he eventually determined that his friend wasn't coming back. To that end, Jiraiya left Konoha so that he could follow Orochimaru's movements, and in time began to follow the organization that Orochimaru joined: The Akatsuki.

Despite what many think, Jiraiya still maintains his allegiance to Konoha, as you will now learn from the report Jiraiya has given me. His first report deals with the Akatsuki. As I don't have the time to explain in full detail about this organization, I'll give you the simple explanation. They're a group of S-Class Missing-Nin set on stealing all JinchÅ«riki", as you should know with your status and age that would include Naruto. I know what you're thinking, and the answer is no. Returning Naruto to the Village and placing extra protection on him would only weaken our defenses.

Which brings me to my final point, it seems that Orochimaru has secretly taken over the Land of Rice Fields, where he has created his own shinobi village, Otogakure. A source from Jaraiya's spy network has informed us of dealings in Sunagakure no Sato. We have reason to believe he'll be attacking Konoha some time surrounding the Chunin exams. If an attack does occur, I believe the Akatsuki might take advantage of our weakened defenses to kidnap Naruto.

I trust you to build Naruto into a capable shinobi. I know you can handle this, good luck Anko.

Your Hokage and friend,

Sarutobi

`I understand my mission and I intent to complete it.' Anko stood and left the restaurant, but not before ripping Naruto's picture off the wall as she left. She'd just made it across the street when the owner came running out after her carrying the bill.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~

Naruto suddenly awoke, completely alert, the sudden change in scenery did nothing to calm his nerves.

After noticing Haku sleeping peacefully beside him, Naruto took a few deep breaths to clam down. Now, slightly more in control of his emotions he gently pulled Haku's fisted hand from his shirt, before sneaking away to do his morning run through the village.

Naruto laughed lightly as he passed a small commotion on the street. Someone had tried to skip out on the bill, and by the sound of it; they hadn't gotten very far. He couldn't help the smile that attached itself to his face. The scenario brought back one of his happier memories of Konoha, but the smile fell away all too soon as he remembered what he had to tell Haku.

`How much am I supposed to tell her?' He already knew he trusted her, but what if… That was always it; `What if?' There wasn't any room for `What if?' with someone you trusted. Taking a deep breath he questioned himself. `How much do you tell someone you trust?' The answer came to him easily now. “Everything.” He whispered aloud.

Now that he had his answer he decided it was time to head back, but not before making his daily purchase. Deciding to make it as quick, as possible, he cut his run short and headed directly for the flower shop.

0000oooooOOOO

Leaping off a particularly large building Naruto landed in front of his destination, Pods to Petals. It didn't look like much, but they carried some very beautiful, and very helpful flowers. Naruto hurried into the store.

“Ah, Naruto you're early today.” A plump women, said while disappearing into the back of the store.

“I kind of have to do something this morning, I've been putting off for to long already.” Naruto shouted into the back as he made his way around some of the new merchandise.

“Well that's nice, it shows maturity when you stop procrastinating.” Naruto laughed lightly while he let his eyes wonder over all the flowers. They were quite beautiful; each flowers shape, size, and color made it stand out uniquely from the rest.

“Found it!” Naruto turned at the triumphant shout from the shop keeper. She emerged from the back of the store with a very beautiful flower. “It's called, Passiflora parritae. A very rare flower indeed, and came from a long way off might I add. You'll be paying a pretty penny for this—”

“I'll take it!”

“You didn't even let me tell you the price. I could over charge you and you'd never know.”

“You'd never do anything like that Miss. Ayaka; you're too nice.”

“I swear you say those things just to butter me up, and I fall for it every time.” Naruto gave her a cheeky smile. “You're so adorable. You'll be such a heart breaker in a few years; that's if you'll do something about that birds nest you call hair.” Naruto laughed lightly as he paid for the flower.

“See you tomorrow!” He shouted while exiting the store.

Miss. Ayaka laughed lightly at Naruto departure. “That boy's a strange one alright. I mean really; out of all the hobbies in the world, he chooses flower pressing. Strange indeed, but on the other hand,” She lifted up her other hand. “He's really great for business!” She laughed hysterically as hugged the money to her chest.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~

Haku paced angrily in front of the couch waiting for Naruto's return. He'd left without waking her, which she knew wasn't out of respect. He'd snuck away to avoid confessing his secrets. She wasn't sure which worried her more; the fact that Naruto didn't trust her, or that he'd been gone for the better part of two hours.

Just as she was contemplating going out to searching for him, a familiar chakra signature made itself present.

Relief washed through her as relaxed slightly. `You're ok.'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~

Naruto stood in front of his apartment half naked shaking is pants upside down. “Where the heck did I put that key?!” He was just about to give-up when the door mysteriously creaked partially open.

Sliming broadly he push the door completely open.

“Hyoton: Aisubokkusu!”

Naruto was instantly frozen, from his neck down, in a block of ice. “W-What the Hell!”

A figure slowly emerged from the dark hallway. “Naruto you disappeared on me again! No note, no nothing. Today you'll tell me your secret, no more games and no more running away.”

“Haku-Chan let me out! It's freezing!”

“Not until you explain. I'm sick of your nightmares, and I'm sick of have to watch you suffer. I want to worry about you, but not needlessly! NOW TALK!!”

Naruto's shivered slightly. “H-Hai.” She looked so desperate it made him sick. `I caused her to worry like this.'

“I'll make it short then.”

“……. It happened on October tenth, the same day I was born, the same day the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ attacked, and the same day the Fourth Hokage died protecting Konohagakure. In Konoha it's said that The Fourth Hokage died while defeating the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ. Which to some extent is true; he did indeed die, and in a way I guess you could say he defeated the KyÅ«bi, but that not what he truly did. All he managed to do was pass his burden on to me. You see the Fourth didn't kill the KyÅ«bi he simply seal the blood thirst fox away. And for some reason he chose me to seal it in. You see I'm a living seal, inside my body I contain the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ.”

Naruto looked up to see the look on Haku's face and saw the confusion. She didn't understand what caused him so much pain.

“It's doesn't end there; the whole village was informed of the beast; that until recently lay dormant inside of me. It's not as bad as it could have been though. You see The Third Hokage was reinstated because of The Fourths death, and from what I understand he made a decree that forbid anyone to discuss or mention the attack of the KyÅ«bi to anyone, even their own children. The Third tried to give me a normal life with that law, but the majority took to believing I was a reincarnation of the KyÅ«bi no YÅkÅ, and so my whole life I was treat as such. So, that normal life never really happened.”

“I was hated for something I had no control over. Adults were full of hatred and grief and it could be seen as clearly as the sun. I was alone for the longest, never having any friends, names like murder and demon could be heard whenever I walked down the street, the occasional can, bottle, or whatever was nearby might be thrown at me. I think the nights were the worst, I was alone in the dark and there was always this feeling of being watched.”

“I used to notice strange things in the mornings; like sometimes I'd wake up feeling as if I had forgotten something important, other time my sleeping cap would be on the floor across the room, when I was sure I wore it to bed, or a window would be locked when I'd left it unlocked. It wasn't till I found out about the fox being sealed inside of me that I understood. Shinobi from within my own village attempted to kill me while I slept, and the Hokage's had Shinobi protecting me day and night, and if I ever saw anything, they simply altered the memory.”

“Most people would assume I hate Konohagakure, but I don't. Well, not completely at least. I do plan on becoming strong and earning the whole villages respect, but I'm not sure if I could ever become Hokage, not because I'm not strong enough, but because, I don't think I can die to protect the people that made my life hell. So I've given up on my dreams.”

“I don't I think you've given up on your dream; it's more like your dreams are maturing. KAI!” The block of ice crumbled into ice and water.

“Thanks.” He mumbled shivering slightly.

“You know,” She picked up his cloths and led him inside. “You don't have to go back if you don't want to. Nobody is forcing you to return.”

“I know, but I made a promise to Jii-Chan, and I don't go back on my word. Plus, there's a hand full of people I want to see again, a few I want to put in there place, and the rest I want to give one more chance. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

“If you say so.”

“Now then I think I'll go take a nice long hot shower. I think your attacks are getting even colder!” Naruto mumbled the last part while walking into the bathroom.

“Naruto!,” The door opened slightly and he popped his head out.

“Yeah?”

“You know you're not the fox, you don't hate the man who did this to you, and you never abandon the ones you care about. Your life was so hard, yet you're still strong, just remember, I'll be here if you're ever feeling weak.”

Naruto gave one of his rare real smiles. “I'll never be weak because there are people that still believe in me, and the people that believe in me, I have to protect no matter what! So always believe in me, and I'll always have some strength.” Naruto smiled and returned to his shower.

“He always says such corny things, And for some reason I always believe them. So I'll believe in you even more than I already did. Damn, he never told me about the nightmares, another day I guess.”

OOOooooo000000

The rest of the day went by quite smoothly. They visited the lodge, at dinner in the village, visited the lodge once more for a quick skate before helping clean up for the day.

“You kids do too much, why are you here? It's your day off you should be out having fun with all you other friends.” Mrs. Tatami insisted.

“We like it here, it's like a second home, we like helping.” Haku stated with a smile

“And it's not work if you enjoy it.” Naruto said happily.

“So maybe we shouldn't pay you at all.” Mr. Tatami said, suddenly popping up behind Naruto, causing him to jump into the air and fall on his butt.

“B-Bastard, sneaking up behind me like, that.” Naruto grumbled while rubbing his behind.

“I thought Shinobi were always on alert.” Mr. Tatami said slightly cocky.

“I shouldn't have to be alert here, when were together I should be able feel safe.” Naruto said slightly annoyed.

“Then you should be even more alert, making sure nothing disturbs your safe place.” Mr. Tatami added, intent on winning the argument.

“I never thought of it like that… Thanks Mr. Tatami.” Naruto said with a delighted grin.

`Damn I thought I'd won, and then he goes and says something like that.' …“Don't thank me for something you should've already known, brat.”

“Well I'll just have to be on alert all the time now. Problem fixed.”

“Naruto we should really get home.” Haku said while Naruto thought of ways to protect his second home from intruders.

“Hai! Oh, by the way we decided to come in tomorrow.”

“But, why?” Mrs. Tatami questioned.

“No reason really, we just like what we do.” Naruto said with a smile.

“Alright then, you two be safe. And Naruto sweetheart I know you like your hair, but at least try and comb it?”

Naruto gave her an evil laugh as a response. “We'll, see you tomorrow!” They shouted simultaneously as the walked out the door.

“If you're late I'll take it out your pay!” Mr. Tatami shouted at the door.

“I don't think they head you dear, and will you please stop picking on that boy. You're a grown man, so act like one.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~

(BACK IN KONOHAGAKURE)

“Kurenai Sensei, although we've been a team for nearly four and a half months, I fail to understand why we are the, only Genin cell, without a third team member.”

Sighing, the red eyed Jonin turned towards her over logical student. “We'll I'm sorry that you don't understand Shino-kun, I'll be happy to explain it to you whenever you decide to ask. Until then, get back to training, as you know your Kamon-Jutsu relies heavily on the amount of chakra you have to spare. Your chakra pool is way too small to be effective in a real fight so I want you to perfect that tree climbing exercise before we get into matters concerning your missing teammate.

“Now Hinata, she turned her hear towards her shy student, about today's training, you seem to be progressing well in your taijutsu, but that can't be all your good at. A good shinobi has a well rounded arsenal of ninjutsu, taijutsu and, genjutsu. Due to your amazing chakra control, I believe genjutsu would benefit you if your taijutsu ever becomes ineffective in battle. But! You also need to enlarge your chakra pool. So until I think your ready you'll be doing the same exercise as Shino.”

“What are you two waiting for? Get to work!”… `I hope I have enough time to get you ready, for what's to come.'

00000000OOOOOOooooooooooooooo

Kiba sighed. “I have the worst luck! What did I do to get placed this team? A chronically late Sensei, a fan girl, and the fan girl's idol on my team! What did I do to deserve this? We don't even get good missions.” Akamaru gave a sad whine at his master's sour mood. It alright boy, I mean you're here, so it's not all bad, and Sakura's fan girl complex looks to have take a small nose dive, she's acting more like a Shinobi. Sasuke's still an up tight prick, but nothing ever going to change that.

“You know I can hear you, mutt.”

“That's interesting, I didn't think a Uchiha would bother listening to some one of my lowly caliber.” Kiba's voice was thick with sarcasm.

“You got a problem with Uchiha's mutt?”

“Why are you so upset? I mean there are only two of you left anyways, and you plan on getting yourself killed fighting the strongest one. As far as I'm concerned, your clan died that night. Still your brother pretty damn amazing eh?” Sasuke was just about to attack the oblivious Inuzuka when his next question struck a nerve.

“I wonder if he plans on restarting your clan else where?” Kiba's question was as simple, as it was possible.

“My sister said he used to have a fan club just like yours, so he'll probably have tones of kids.” Kiba shivered. “A bunch of little power hungry Itachi's running around isn't my idea of fun. You know even if you kill him he still kind of wins.”

Sasuke stood there now completely ignoring Kiba. `Mutt's actually making sense.' Sasuke slipped into thought as Kiba continued his rant.

Sasuke was pulled from his thoughts as Sakura showed up. “You're late.” He said simply.

“Yeah I am, why did you miss me?”

“Keh.” Was Sasuke's empty reply, as usual.

“No, I didn't think anyone would anyways.” Sakura mumbled under her breath.

Sasuke might have heard her if Kiba's little rant from earlier wasn't so damn annoying. He just couldn't take his mind off of Itachi, children, his clan. Kiba on the other hand had heard her as clear as day, but decided Sakura was finally starting to get over her fan girl complex. `Took her long enough.'

Just team seven was starting to relax their Jonin leader, Kakashi appeared in the clearing hanging upside down from a tree. “Sorry I'm late, I was helping an o--”

“Yeah, yeah, we know already. Can we just go get our mission for the day?” Kiba's words were appreciated all the way around.

“Hai, hai.” With that Kakashi pulled out his little orange book and lead his team towards the Hokage tower for their next mission

000000OOOOOOOooooo

“Ok team seven lets see what we have for you today?” The Third said while he flipped though a few portfolios. “How about this one?”

Kiba watch the Hokage start to hand the file to Kakashi. “Hokage-sama, I'm sick of these “D” ranked missions, and if Akamaru has to sniff out that cat one more time, I think it'll mess up his sense of smell. Plus we're good team despite or sensei's inability to show up on time. Could you please give us something slightly challenging.”

Sakura stood silently thinking about what Kiba had said a moment ago. `Good team? Who was he trying to fool?'

The Hokage laughed as he listened to Iruka give a text book explanation for the “D” ranked missions.

“It's alright Iruka. You know Kiba you're not the first person to ask me for harder mission,” The Hokage watched as Kiba looked down expecting anther “D” ranked mission. “But you are the first to give me a answer I like, “C” ranked missions are for teams that work good together, and from what you just told me it would seem you have a good team. Therefore,” He reached into a slightly smaller pile of portfolios. “Here you go Kakashi team sevens first “C” ranked mission.”

Sasuke couldn't suppress the smirk that surfaced, while he stood quietly in the background. `The mutt actually did something useful.'

Kiba smiled. “Who knew the old guy could be so cool?” He said with a smile on his face, not noticing The Thirds raised eyebrow.

`Old…?' Was the Hokage's only thought as their client entered the room. “This is our client Tazuna, a bridge builder from The Land of Waves.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~

(Back to Snow)

Naruto stood proudly in the center of the lodge with a large grin on his face.

“Naruto what are you doing, get back to work before Mr. Tatami see's you.” Haku whispered harshly, while carrying a pair of polished boots, supposedly for some customer upstairs.

“I just finished setting up a few protection measures for the lodge. I've hidden all kinds of stuff we could use in an emergency, but could only get if you're a Shinobi.”

“That's nice Naruto, but now is not the time. Could you please man the front desk I think I saw a few people waiting in line.”

He pouted slightly. “Oh, alright.” He quickly looked at his self in a mirror before making his way to the front desk.

“Hello, and welcome The Drifting Lodge, where we'll make you so comfortable, you won't know you've drifted off your course till it's too late. My name's Naruto how may I help you?” He said the rehearsed lines with a smile only to get smacked in the face by a teddy bear.

Sighing he picked up the bear and looked at the customer in front of him. A women, three kids, and a man that looked like he was about to fall over from exhaustion, were all standing before him.

“Oh, I'm so sorry! There just a little grumpy we've been traveling for a while and-- ”

“No need to explain how about I take those three off your hands. We have a nice play center in the back, I think Mrs. Tatami was just about to start a story if I'm not mistaken. Just go out those doors and to the right, it's the third door on your left.”

“Thank you.” She's called back as she dragged her kids off.

Naruto turned back to the man only to seem him asleep on his feet. Reaching out he snapped his fingers a few time successfully waking him. “How long do you plan on staying?”

“Three days?”

Naruto had to suppress a laugh this guy was really out of it. “How many rooms and beds will you need?”

“Two rooms, a single and a double.”

“Ok I.D. please, thank you, that'll be 120 a night that includes the child's play center, and the meals. Here's your key it'd room 22, and 23, Please enjoy you stay, if you need anything use the call button.” Naruto sighed as he repeated a similar process through most of the day.

Naruto yawned as he watched the clock tick. Only another hour and he'd be heading home. So far today he'd been kicked in the shin, yelled at by a drunk, nearly thrown-up on, had his hair pulled 16 times, been attacked by 4 fan girls, and that was only the half of it. Naruto sighed as the bell rang indicating a customers' entrance. Pulling on his fake smile he turned to face them.

“Hello, and welcome The Drifting Lodge, where we'll make you so comfortable, you won't know you've drifted off your course till it's too late. My name's Naruto how may I help you?”

“Naruto Uzumaki, I've finally found you.”

Naruto blink. “What?” Naruto looked his customer in the for the first time, and that's when he saw it, a leaf hatai slightly covered by purple bangs. His eye's opened wide and he felt himself stiffen slightly, before he forcefully made himself relax. `I-I just have to stick with the plan, and not panic.'…“I'm sorry what?”

“Don't play stupid with me Uzumaki.”

“U-zi-ma-ki? Hey lady, are you feeling alright? Haku-neesan, I think this lady might be drunk, or sick! She keeps calling me U-Uzumaki.”

“Listen here gaki, I've followed you through three countries, and was stuck in another for three months, not considering the weeks it took me to find your trail! Don't insult me by pretending to be someone else.” Naruto gulped. “Plus, your name tag says Naruto, and you match the description.”

Naruto took a small step back. “Listen lady I don't know what you're on, but shinobi or not you can't just walk in here and start a ruckus. So I'd appreciate it if you would leave before my sister gets her.”

Naruto suddenly found himself two feet off the ground looking into the eyes of and angry Shinobi. “Spare me the bullshit. You don't have a sister you grew up in an orphanage. I saw the way you stiffened when you noticed my hatai.”

“I'm just not used to seeing Shinobi around here.” Naruto said stalking for time.

“I know all about you Uzumaki. Now we're leaving.” She'd dragged him half way towards the door when a girl with blond hair and blue eyes suddenly moved, blocking their advancement.

“What the hell are you doing with my Oto? Put him down right now, whatever he did I'm sure I can deal with the consequences.”

“Neesan, that so mean, I didn't even do anything this time.” Naruto whined perfectly, Haku raised a doubtful eye. So far the act was working.

Anko blink. `I-I was wrong, but the trail, the name, the description. It has to be him, but…'

“Hey Miss. I'm warning you let him go, or I'll make you.” Haku's threat fell on deaf ears, right now Anko was really starting to doubt her own abilities.

`Could I have really made such a large mist—' Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when Haku decided she'd waited long enough.

Anko was forced to duck, as Haku's foot flew by swiftly over head. Anko sighed, as she easily dodged each attack, while holding onto her prey. `Girl's fairly good.'

“Let - Him - Go!” Anko smirked as she dodged the girl's angry kicks.

“Is that all you got?” Anko asked dodging a swift uppercut, which turned into a kicking back-flip. “That might have impressed a Jonin, but not me.” Anko's fist made contact with the side of Haku's face. She was surprised the girl hadn't fall from the punch. “Still on your fe-” Anko spun around at the sound of a metallic click, and was forced to release Naruto as he made a slash at her wrist.

“Don't you ever hit her or I'll kill you!” Naruto was pissed, but trying to keep his cool as he pulled withdrew another kunai. “Leave us alone!”

Naruto took a basic taijutsu stance along side Haku.

Anko's eyes suddenly brightened as she looked upon the two in front of her. “I think we should take this outside, it's your choice if you want to involve the girl in this, Uzumaki.” Anko walked towards the front door. “Make me wait and I'll come get you.” with that's she walked out the front door.

“Haku, are you alright?”

“She's really strong, I don't think we can fight her and win, Naruto.” Naruto held her face gently in hand, as he examined the light bruise on her cheek.

“Do you think we could out run her?”

“It's worth a try, but I still don't get how she knew we weren't related, she seem so unsure at first.” Haku said deep in thought. “What could have given us away?”

“I'll use the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, and Henge, and we'll make our escape, while she's confused.”

Haku nodded at the plan. “It seems simple enough, but I think we'll have to remove all our weights.”

0000000OOOOoooooo

Anko sighed as she waited outside in the cold. `He's not going to make this easy, is he?' Gritting her teeth she took a step towards the lodge.

That's when she saw it, Naruto and that Haku came flying out of every window and door in the lodge, and were running away at surprising speeds. “What the hell!”

@#@%%()%&)&@^&)^&_^%_@&^)@#(*%@(#*%(*#@%(*@#^ %(*%^(*^(*@^%(#*@%^(*#@^%(*@^%(*^#(@^%(*#@^%(*@#%(#@*%(*#@&%@&$#%(* &)%&#@&%#&@#&%

Screw it, I'm not editing this! I hope you enjoy it anyways, it's like my longest chapter.

Kamon-Jutsu- One's family or clans technique //// If anybody knows what to call Ino's, Shikamaru's, or Choji's family techniques I'd appreciate it. Sorry about the long delay I've been busy, First a two vacation; went back home to the states. Then my birthday; got to love Canada's drinking age, HA HA….even if I hate living in Quebec. Oh well, then I read the whole updated Naruto Manga, and let me say this, it's good, I also read the updated bleach manga, and a bunch of others, read two books, went on two dates, saw The Bourn Ultimatum; It kicked ass by the way. Also started playing a video game I've want for like 4 years. Stupid Quebec makes finding games impossible, found it in the first game store I walked into while in the states. Oh yeah then I went to NYC for two days. So as you can see I've been busy but I made this long to make up for my absents! Enjoy!

Till Next Time…