Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Eyes piercing the darkness ❯ The day of the Kyuubi festival! ( Chapter 7 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Well, I figured that it was time to get to work. I kind of dazed for a while anyway, here' s the references I made last chapter.
Kingdom Hearts 2: I felt that I should mention this one first because I actually referenced it a few times in the chapter. First off was the giant vs. JJ. The Roxas vs. giant nobody fight inspired the beginning of that fight. Next was while fighting Orochimaru/Aneha. When Orochimaru captured Naruto and repeatedly pummeled him while JJ tried to make his way over to him was inspired by a moment in the final fight, which is the only time you control Riku during the game.
The end of Heartache: Because of the fact that I couldn't find a way to link the song to the final fight and make it as long as I wanted it, I didn't list it, but this song actually inspired the final draft of the fight, because like I mentioned before, I kind of kept recreating it until I got what I felt was right.
Since I always talk before chapters anyway I might as well do it about this one this time. References, most may have noticed that I have that list every chapter. Well, mostly because I draw inspiration from everything I see, from a single blade of grass to my favorite shows and games. Also seeing as I wrote this, I really like to poke around with my favorite things as well. I know most people may not even get what most of the references I make are, but I ask that you not let that deter you from the story. I mostly just like adding cool characters into the mix, you don't need to understand every, or anything about them, because if it's important to the plot of the story, I'd explain the characters background anyway. I thank all those who helped me get this far into the story, because like I said in the first chapter, this was only an experiment. Like the many dozens of stories that I came up with, I didn't intend on writing this one, and truthfully I came up with it four months before I even started writing it. The only reason I decided to write this is because "The trial" got stuck in my head so hard that I even started reciting it. Finally I jumped up and said why not, so I started writing it. I'm glad I did now.
I started this about mid chapter, so this may seem random, but I have to say this so I ask that anyone reading this pay close attention to this part. I've been getting alot lately about people who don't like my script format for this story. Now let me give you a little depth behind that. First, truthfully as everyone else has a problem with this way of writing, I don't like the story book style. Much like most people don't like this I hate it not being clear who's speaking at what time, I really don't like that. Second, I used to write scripts for my friends who made amatuer comics. It's not like I started with this. It's just how I'm used to writing. Third, I thought about doing it in story book form when I wrote "Run TK Run" [My first posted story.], but then I thought. My name is Norsh. That name is strange anywhere. I hate that name because I was named after the father I hate. But if there was one thing about it, it was different. As such, I've never once in my life tried to be like someone else just so I could fit in. I wrote in this format so that I could set myself apart from everyone else. I'm me, not you and I'll never be anything, but me. I encourage everyone else to do this same.
Now one person asked why I wrote in this format, it's because I like it. Also I wanted to point out something, I really don't like hearing it all the time. I don't mind people's opinions, but it's starting to offend me and I'm hard to offend. The last thing I'm going to point out is that someone told me that the format made the story look choppy and that I should change it. To do that, I would have to write all six previous chapters which were all over 100 kilobytes, 25,000 words. Or start doing it from this chapter on, which would look even choppier. So I'm just going to say to that person, kiss my ass, I'm not changing my trademark. To everyone else who hates this format, but read anyway. I thank you so much for giving me a chance. If only everyone were as open-minded as you all.
Anyway let the chapter begin.
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The day of the Kyuubi festival!
For what seemed like only hours, days had morphed into months that left swiftly like the wind on a summer day. Naruto sat against a tree watching diligently as Hinata trained, repeatedly attacking a large stump before her, letting the sweat drip from her brow, as Naruto smiled. It was early afternoon and Hanabi was once again at the academy. Naruto was cautious about letting her go alone, and even for a while he had attended with her, watching her teachers with pure hatred, the only one he really trusted was Iruka. Yubiki had told him on many occasions that Iruka would never do anything to hurt him or those close to him. With a promise, Iruka swore that nothing would ever happen to her on his watch, which Naruto placed trust in. Over the months he had started to trusted Iruka, he believed in him. Naruto had often joked that he was just trying the "go throough the kid to get to the mother tactic." and Iruka always denied it. Truthfully there was something cool about Iruka that drew him to him. If there was anyone he would trust Hanabi with, it would be him or Naki.
At the moment Naruto just smiled at the hime present. Her resilience shining through every motion she made. Her determination aimed at one goal, the upcoming chuunin exams. Everyone was preparing for it, except him and JJ. JJ had said that since he was a jounin in his village, training to become a chuunin would be demeaning. Naruto had just laughed at him when he said that, but others had truly been working hard to achieve the title, except Shikamaru.
Raizen, jumped at the chance to train with his old teammates and he had at many times been seen hanging out with two shadows that always seemed to vanish whenever people grew closer. Kiba trained with him and Akamaru, mostly to relieve built up frustration, even though he had stopped leaving during training, he still held resentment for Naruto. Shino had all, but rested since he heard about the exams. Mika started training with Claire, who seemed to have taken a liking to the girl, mostly because JJ did. Mika often came back exhausted and completely wiped of all energy. Whenever anybody asked why she would just groan and JJ would laugh at her. Choji, begrudging listened to his sensei's advice and began his own training, with only one reason in mind, to somehow manage to defeat JJ. Both JJ and Naruto were barred from using their powers in the exam unless their opponent possessed a similar power, mostly stated incase JJ and Naruto were paired against one another.
Choji, knowing this, felt he stood a chance against the boy and was willing to take a shot. Through his rivalry with him he never noticed that they really got along for the most part and at many times they'd sit back and talk as friends. Sakura had been seen hanging out with Ino in most of her free time, both somewhat reluctant in restoring the friendship once lost, but willing. Sakura however couldn't find the courage to try the same with Raizen. She even found herself avoiding him, not to his ignorance. He and Sasuke both noticed it, and Sasuke himself had been blind-sided when the young Kitsune came to him speaking of his respect for the boy. Naruto admitted to him that he trusted and respected him. Both boys hung out and even sometimes ate together, but never once did they have long conversations. Sometimes they never, spoke at all. They would see each other in the street and flash an arrogant smile before they broke out into a sparring match wherever they met. At times though they did talk, Sasuke told him about his sister, and breifly, his brother. Naruto thought, the way Sasuke felt about his sister was exactly the way he felt about his himes.
Lee had been training even more intensively than normal, quickly leaving his teammates behind in his efforts and proving to everyone is ninja way. Tenten often tried to keep up with him, but she found that there was no village that had the amount of energy Lee had. Neji silently trained alone, whenever he didn't have Ishi on his arm. She had become very busy herself, she was brought into interrogations and because of the danger she was given a teacher as well. Per Ishi's request, she was given a teacher to teach her ninjutsu, her teacher's name was Anko.
Hanabi had gained her powers and practically walked around with them active all the time. Yubiki had stopped hanging around the house as much and only came back to sleep and occasionally to train Naruto. A smile crept along his face, peace was relaxing, but boring in the long run. He was eager for the chuunin exams to begin. His musing was brought to an end as Hinata fell to the ground in exhaustion. Naruto stood up and walked closer to her.
Naruto: I think you should stop now.
He said with concern in his voice. She had been at it since sunrise, gradually getting better, but still overusing her energy. She breathed heavily and tried to regain her footing, to no avail. Hinata peeked back and blushed, no wanting to look bad in front of Naruto. A warm feeling rushed over her as Naruto gently grabbed her arm and pulled her onto his back before holding her up in piggy- back position, causing the girl to blush even deeper.
Naruto: That's enough okay.
Hinata: Uh-huh.
She said wrapping her arms around Naruto's neck as she snuggled into his neck and closing her eyes. She quickly grew comfortable in his grip and nuzzled deeper before falling into slumber. Naruto walked gently from the field and back into the streets of Konoha. All eyes fell upon the boy, as he seemed to ignore the world around him. Warm smiles graced the faces of the people watching him, yet Naruto failed to notice, only looking on toward the path in front of him.
It wasn’t the first time Naruto been seen giving a blatant display of affection. Not long ago the teacher and the genin had managed to meet in the forest to discuss the exams, but because of his tiring training the previous night Naruto had fallen asleep against a tree. All sitting in the field looked over to the peacefully sleeping boy before returning to their talk. Once his name was said Naruto snapped from his sleep before looking groggily around the feild. No had intentionally called him to disturb his sleep, but his abrupt awakening caused everyone to look at him. Naruto finally stood up and stretched before he stuffed his hand in his pocket and walked across the field while all eyes followed him. Naruto sat next to Hinata and turned sideways before laying his head on her lap. Hinata blushed deeply as he nuzzled down and instantly fell back to sleep. All of the genin and jounin in the field looked at the boy with incredulous faces as Hinata created a new shade of red, her eyes wide open yet completely obvious that she had long since passed out. All that was heard after that was Ino whispering the word “bold” while staring at the couple.
Hanabi wasn’t free from it either. He would often carry her as he walked and walk her home. She never really minded, neither did her sister, but they did mind how he did it. Naruto finally reached the Hyuuga complex and smiled as he opened the door. Hiashi watched him in and smiled at the sight as Naruto laid Hinata in her bed.
Naruto: I have to go Hiashi, make sure she rests.
Hiashi: It’s not really necessary is it? She’ll heal in a few hours anyway.
Naruto: Yeah, but she still shouldn’t over do it, I’m out of here, see ya.
He said in an arrogant voice before walking off. Naruto once again found himself walking down the streets of Konoha, only this time alone. The academy must have been out, because the sight of children playing lied before him. He knew that he wasn’t going to see Hanabi until later. She said that she was going to spend the day with Yu, someone he had spent a lot time with too. Him, Hanabi, Sasuke, and Yu had ate out once as Yu asked every question she had always wondered about him while he and Sasuke had silence between them. He slanted his eyes and looked back to a wall, where a good section of it was sideways and he sighed.
Naruto: You’re doing it wrong.
He said before he began walking away. The section of the wall fell and Konohamaru smiled.
Konohamaru: You’re good boss. Com’n teach me something.
Naruto: No.
Konohamaru: Please?
Naruto: No.
Konohamaru: Please?
Naruto: No.
Unfortunately this too, was something that Naruto had to deal with during his free months. Konohamaru seemed adamant about getting him to train him, and Naruto was starting to get fed up. Their “conversation” continued that way as Naruto walked through the village, eating ramen, relaxing in the park, and even during another impulse sparring match with Sasuke. Finally after both ninjas went their way Konohamaru jumped in front of him and pleaded.
Konohamaru: Please train me!
Naruto: No.
He said as he turned around. Konohamaru dropped to his knees and begged.
Konohamaru: Please, you’re strongest, most powerful and handsome ninja in the village. If you could please dirty your mighty hand train me one mighty one.
Naruto stopped and Konohamaru smiled as he looked up slightly.
Konohamaru: [It worked!]
Naruto looked at him with a confused face and asked.
Naruto: What kind of vain asshole do you take me for?
Before he shook his head and walked away once again. Konohamaru’s eyes went wide with shock and he ran after Naruto grabbing his leg. Naruto lifted his leg and struggled to shake the boy off.
Naruto: Stop it! Why are you being so damn annoying!?
Konohamaru: I haven’t even begun to be annoying.
Konohamaru took a deep breath and shouted.
Konohamaru: Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!!!!!!!
Naruto: Fine!!!!!!
He said finally giving in to the boy’s request. Naruto shook the boy from his leg and folded his arms.
Naruto: Fine. Meet me in the tenth training ground in an hour.
Konohamaru: Yes boss.
He said standing with a salute. Naruto peeked back and sighed before walking off. As instructed, Konohamaru waited in the feild of Naruto's choice, impatiently looking on for signs of Naruto's approach.
Konohamaru: He's not coming, I know it!
Naruto: Know what?
He asked from behind the boy, who nearly jumped from his skin before locking eyes onto Naruto. He quickly sat up and pointed his finger at him.
Konohamaru: What are you doing here!?
Naruto: Are you stupid or something kid?
Konohamaru: Wait, you really came.
Naruto: I said I would, so I did. Now what do you want to learn first?
Konohamaru: I want to learn the sexy jutsu!
He said stepping forward determinedly.
Naruto: Why that?
He asked lifting an eyebrow, causing Konohamaru to do a double-take.
Konohamaru: Why not? It's a strong technique, you used it to defeat Grandpa, and he's the hokage.
Naruto sweatdropped and sighed before he simply lifted a finger to explain.
Naruto: Alright, but there are rules to using it. First is that it's not an illusion, so if the thought of losing what makes you a man for a while scares you, don't do it.
Konohamaru looked at him with a moment's pause and thought hard before finally nodding.
Naruto: Second, change your entire personality while in the form. It makes it more believable.
Konohamaru: Uh-huh.
Naruto: Third...well I'll show you after you learn it. Now try this.
He said going through different seals before finally changing his entire body into the form of a beautiful woman, only this time still clothed. Konohamaru watched and tried to mimic the seals, but failed each time. Naruto sighed and placed her hands on her hips.
Naruto: You really suck at this kid.
Konohamaru: I do not, I'm just not good yet.
He said still struggling through the seals into finally he got it right. He formed the seal and transformed, only not as well as Naruto. He was still his same height, except now he looked like a female blob monster. Naruto looked away and chuckled before she looked back at the sight and erupted in laughter.
Naruto: What is that!?
She asked falling to her knees.
Naruto: That was pathetic!
Konohamaru frowned and dropped the jutsu.
Konohamaru: It's not like you got it on your first try.
Naruto: Yeah, but I did better than that.
She said standing with her hands on her hips.
Naruto: Now, if you're done making me laugh, we can continue.
Konohamaru: Can't you teach me some other way, like a hint or something.
Naruto: Mom would've slapped me for asking something like that.
She said mostly to herself before turning back to the boy with a grimace.
Naruto: Fine. First I want you to picture the most beautiful woman you can think of.
With eyes now aimed to the sky, Konohamaru did his best to picture what Naruto asked. Once he finally had someone in mind he nodded and Naruto finished by saying.
Naruto: Now picture her naked.
Konohamaru's eyes went wide as an almost unholy sight wrapped his innocent mind with it's wrongness. He fell to the ground and grabbed his head trying to make the thought fly from his mind.
Naruto: What did you picture?
She asked in curiousity.
Konohamaru: I pictured my mom.
He replied with tears flowing down his face. Naruto stared blankly him as a thought ran through her mind.
Naruto: [Your mom is the most beautiful woman you could think of?]
Breaking from her musing she looked at the boy and asked.
Naruto: What's so wrong with that?
She asked completely curious.
Konohamaru: No kid wants to see that! How would you feel if you saw YOUR mom naked.
Naruto: I have.
Konohamaru blankly stared at the girl for a second before she continued.
Naruto: I was locked in a tomb for most of my life. How do you think I learned this technique? Mom modeled for me.
Konohamaru stood still for a moment and then finally found a reply.
Konohamaru: But, she's not your real mom.
Naruto: True. What you need is practice. We need to find something to show you.
She said holding her chin in her hand before snapping her fingers.
Naruto: I know.
Konohamaru: What?
Naruto: We visit the hot springs.
She said with a devious smile.
[Flash]
Soon the two were walking down the roads of Konoha, Naruto catching more than a few stares from the men of the village, completely grateful that her form was still a new sight in the village.
Konohamaru: Couldn't you just change back?
Naruto: And risk being seen? That would be completely stupid.
She said never once missing a step. Once they finally reached their destination Konohamaru once again took on the guise of a "female". It was slightly better than the last time, but it still needed work, but then again, that's what they were there for. Once both were ready they stepped into the bath house and disrobed, before walking into the springs where many other women were waiting. Some heads turned to them and Konohamaru started to panic.
Konohamaru: [They can tell, we're doomed.]
Misa: Are you new around here?
Naruto: Yes we are. My name is Nira, We just met, but she says her name is Kana. Right, Kana?
Konohamaru: Y-Yes.
Said the newly chrisened Kana. Konohamaru slowly walked into the water at the side of Naruto, who seemed to be completely comfortable in the situation. Konohamaru found herself admiring her new teacher, he seemed unshakable, as if he could adjust to any situation. After her focus fell on the woman in the springs he started to wish she had the same quality to adapt as her teacher. He turned cherry red while looking at the vuluptuous women in the bath. Their massive mounds and shapely curves, leading down to luscious thighs that seemed to continue forever. The sight almost pushed the boy into early puberty.
Yuri: Want me to wash your back Nira?
Naruto: Alright, I'll wash yours next.
Konohamaru caught the sight in his mind and instantly his nose bled an he passed out before dropping his jutsu.
Unyi: It's a boy!
Yuri: Is that Konohamaru-sama?
Naruto peeked over slightly at the boy and shook her head.
Naruto: [Sorry, but I don't know you, kid.]
She thought to herself before shreiking. Konohamaru was quickly kicked out of the hotsprings.
[Flash]
Konohamaru sat impatiently waiting for his sensei to exit the hotsprings, until he finally heard her voice laughing along with the other women. Konohamaru, wisely waited for the women to walked away and say their goodbyes to the girl before he approached her.
Konohamaru: How could you leave me out here!?
He shouted pointing a discriminating finger to her.
Naruto: Nobody told you to faint, you idiot.
She said slightly fluffing her bathrobes. She looked around and smiled.
Naruto: So did you see enough?
Konohamaru: Yeah.
He said with a devilish smile. After finding a good spot to return to his normal form, Naruto and Konohamaru once again left to the training grounds they had previously met at, but not before Naruto noticed that they were being followed. Naruto watched as Konohamaru struggled to get even the slightest detail right, and smiled as he finally perfected it by changing into a beautiful brunette that was rivaled only by Naruto's own sexy jutsu form.
Naruto: Are you satisfied now?
Konohamaru: Yeah, because now I can do it.
Naruto: And "it" is?
Konohamaru: I can beat Grandpa now. Now I can become hokage.
Naruto: Why do you want to be hokage?
Konohamaru: Because people never treat me like an actual person. They always call me Konohamaru-sama, only because I'm the hookage's grandson. I'm never treated like me. I'm not just the hokage's grandson, I'm Konohamaru. When I use this jutsu to beat grandpa, I'll be respected as me, not as the hokage's grandson anymore.
Naruto: Is that so? Okay, now I want you to try the sexy jutsu on me.
Konohamaru: Ha, prepare to lose!
Konohamaru placed together a handsign and called out his desired technique. Once he took the form of a beautiful woman, Naruto was holding his left shoulder with a sword placed at his throat.
Konohamaru: What?
Naruto: This is the last rule of the sexy jutsu. Never try to use it in combbat with a serious enemy. It may work on someone like Sarutobi, but if you were facing someone as serious as Orochimaru or Me, it would never work and you'd quite possibly get yourself killed.
He said with cold eyes as the boy changed back.
Konohamaru: Then why did you learn it?
Naruto: It's technique used to win battles without fighting, the most important part of knowing a technique is knowing how and when to use it. With only this jutsu you couldn't become the hokage of a cottonfield.
Konohamaru looked down and frowned.
Naruto: But, that's why I'm here.
Konohamaru looked back up to Naruto as he continued.
Naruto: As I promised, from now on, I am your teacher. I'm still learning myself, but I'll teach you what I can. One day you'll achieve that goal and become a hokage only second to me.
He said placing his hand atop the boy's head with a blank expression. In the trees a single man watched on, looking as his student smiled at his second teacher.
Ebisu: It looks like you're growing Konohamaru.
He said pushing his glasses up on his face before walking off.
Naruto: That's all for today. Go home and rest.
Konohamaru: Yes boss!
He said running off with a smile on his face. Naruto sighed and walked back into the village.
Naruto: Well, at least I won't be bored.
He said as he walked to his apartment, wondering why he hadn't seen his teammates. He quickly dispeled the thought and opened the door to his house. Two pairs of eyes looked at him and he smiled wide.
Hinata: Welcome home Naruto-kun.
Hanabi: How was your day?
Naruto: Tiring.
He said doing a complete 180 from his earlier attitude. The looks his himes gave him could instantly bring out his good side. His nose caught the pleasant aroma of home cooked food. He had come home like this often, most of the time it seemed as if the two girls lived with him. They were there most of the day, but occasionally they stopped back home for training and picking up clothes. Even still Hiashi had joked many times that his daughters had moved out of the complex. Naruto never minded, it meant that his precious ones were always where he could find them. Naruto walked up to them and smiled befoore sitting down on the couch in his living room.
Hanabi: Tiring how?
She asked sitting next to him as Hinata brought him a plate of the food she and Hanabi lovingly prepared for him.
Naruto: Long story. How did your day go?
Hanabi: I trained with Yu, nothing new, but Oneechan's day was interesting.
She said with a devilish smile. Naruto turned a curious expression to the now blushing girl.
Naruto: Why is that?
Hinata quickly turned around, she couldn't tell him that everyone, including Ino, wouldn't stop talking about how he carried her piggyback through the entire village while she slept on his back.
Hinata: N-Nothing.
Naruto: Huh?
Hanabi: You see-
Hinata: Shut up Hanabi!
Naruto smiled as the two girls started to argue and looked up to the ceiling. He wanted these times to last as long as possible.
Naruto: Maybe peace isn't so bad after all.
He said to himself, slightly loud enough for the girls to hear. They both stopped arguing and looked over to him as he began to eat. The night never felt so beautiful, mostly because the girls wanted tomorrow to come soon. It was going to be Naruto's first birthday free, and they wanted to make sure he never forgot.
[Flash]
????: Oniichan! Come play with me.
????: Not now Seria.
Seria: You always say that Oniichan.
????: Dad needs me for something. I'll play when I get back okay.
Seria: Promise?
????: Promise.
The young boy said as he walked off. The house he lived in was far from any villages, simply to escape the rush of life and power struggles that infested them. Secluded in the forest, their house hidden by the trees. The boy walked through the trees and finally came upon his father, standing strongly in the brush, illuminated by the sunlight reflecting from the many leaves above him.
????: It's about time you arrived, Raizen.
Raizen: I'm sorry, I needed time to prepare.
????: A good ninja is always prepared. Being on time can mean the difference between life and death.
Raizen: Yes, Father.
????: Catch.
He said throwing a long windmill shuriken to him. The boy stumbled to catch it and held it firmly at his chest.
????: That's yours now.
Raizen: But, Dad this is yours.
????: Raizen. Your mother's clan and mine. They hated one another.
Raizen lifted an eyebrow at the randomness of that statement.
????: When we met, we were just kids. She got hurt in the forest, and I saved her. It was love at first sight. When our parents found us, they ripped us apart. I was told never to deal with the enemy, but I knew that my heart belonged to her. The next time we saw each other, it was on a battlefield. Two people, caught on the opposite side of a war. It was as if we recognized each other instantly, because we couldn't even bring ourselves to attack one another. I was destined to be the leader of my clan, and her brother was born to be the leader of theirs. We were meant to lead our clans against one another.
He looked deep into his sons eyes.
????: But, we chose each other over our duties to our clans. Once the battle was over, we began to see each other in secret, but one day we were found out. Through the shouts and protests of our clans, we ran away together. Escaping both our bonds and duties, we eloped. Raizen, you and your sister are the proof that following your heart is always the best way to live life. Strength, Honor, fame, pride, it all means nothing if you have doubts in your heart. Follow that which you believe is right. As a testament to the sacrifice we made! With that shuriken become stronger than even me!
Raizen looked up at his father and bowed down to him.
Raizen: [Heh, looking back on that day now, that sounded like a goodbye, as if he knew what would happen next.]
[Flash]
Raizen walked with Seria holding tightly onto his left arm, cuddling up to his shoulder. Raizen sweatdropped and looked at her through the corner of his eye as travelers wandered by.
Raizen: Stop that, people think you're my girlfriend.
Seria: That doesn't sound bad to me.
Raizen: I'm not even going to mention all the things that was wrong with that sentence.
Raizen looked around once again and caught a glimpse of a man and a woman walking from the direction he figured was Konoha. The man had lines right beneath his eyes and his long black hair was pulled into a ponytail. Raizen had seen the man somewhere, but he could place it. The woman had slightly spiky blond hair and her eyes seemed to be fixated on the man in front of her, until her eyes caught sight of the two children. She smiled warmly and mouthed words that Raizen couldn't make out. Raizen stopped walking as the couple walked passed him and he quickly peered back. Much to his surprise, the two were nowhere to be found.
Seria: What's wrong Oniichan?
Raizen: ...Nothing.
He said turning himself and his sister back toward the house.
Seria: Look Oniichan!
She said running toward a patch of flowers in the road.
Seria: Aren't these flower beautiful?
Raizen: Yeah.
He replied not really paying any attention to her. He walked to the door and reached for the knob when he heard voices from inside.
????: Yuri, we need to do this.
Yuri: Mirono, the children don't need to be a part of this!
Mirono: I'm not involving them. Your clan sought us out and asked us to participate in the rebellion. If we help, then you can finally see your family again.
Yuri: That doesn't mean that things will change!
Mirono: We can change it. I just want you to be happy, the children will finally be able to live in a village, meet other children. All I want us for us to have a better life.
Raizen looked down and remembered the talk his father had given him and then he turned the doorknob, startling both of his parents. Seria looked up at him and quickly ran behind him.
Seria: Mama, Papa, what's wrong?
Mirono: Nothing. It's getting late, go to bed okay.
Raizen: Yeah.
He said leading his sister to her room.
Raizen: [If I had known what would happen next, I would've said goodbye to them. I would've hugged them and told them how much I cared. But I didn't....I regret that now.]
[Flash]
Raizen jumped from his bed and rolled to the ground as a loud noise came from the inner room of the house. Seria ran behind him and grabbed his shoulder as he lifted the Aname windmill onto his back. He threw open the door and caught the sight of his father locked in battle with a cloaked figure. Mirono tried desperately to dodge the attacks of the assailant, but his strikes were like flashes, quickly ripping through flesh before he could even catch wind of it coming at him. Yuri ran toward the man, but eyes looked onto her through the man's masked face. The glare paralyzed her in place and a hand quickly struck her in the face. The blow sent her flying into back wall and she collapsed to the ground.
Mirono, ran at the ninja and finally succeeded in dodging one of his attacks, but suddenly he found something cutting through the wind above him. He looked up and saw a clone of the man dropping from the ceiling with his kunai extended. Sparks flew from Mirono's arm and he threw his fist into the chest of the clone, sending electricity through it's entire body before it vanished. Mirono could feel a smile coming at him from behind the mask. Mirono's body charged with electricity coursing through every vein in his body.
Mirono: Sorry Yuri, but I'm gonna have to mess up the house alittle.
He said as he began doing handsigns. His eyes surged as if lightning were charging through it and he smiled.
Mirono: Aname style: Lightning god's wrath!
He shouted as he pumped his fist at the masked man. An extremely large ball of elecricity flew from his fist and blasted the ninja through the wall and against a tree waiting outside. Mirono jumped from the hole and punched sixteen more times at a lightning fast speed, all causing a ball of electricty to flew into the man. Before landing to the ground he placed both of his feet together and he pumped his feet at the man, sending the largest ball yet to emerge and blast the ninja through the tree he rested on and many others. Mirono landed on the ground with a smile, thinking he had dispatched the ninja that threatened him, but suddenly a tight grip latched onto his neck and with a short thrust, he was launched back into the house. Before the man could rise to his feet, he found something impaling him, sealing him to the ground. He looked over to his children and order them in a strong voice to run, only before the blade was pulled from his chest and quickly sent across his throat in one quick swipe.
Raizen stared in non-belief at his father as his body went limb. A scream came from the other side of the room and Yuri shot to her feet before charging at the ninja, who looked as if she posed no threat to her. He reached down and drew three kunai before he launched them at her. Yuri fluidly dodged, but the ninja's smile showed her that she should'nt have. In what felt like a second she quickly looked back as Raizen shielded his little sister from the approaching kunai. He closed his eyes and waited for the impact that never came. He looked back and saw that his mother, in a moment driven by pure adrenaline, had shielded them with her body. Raizen many times thought back to that extact moment, the act of protecting someone you care about, an act he repeated. His mother spoke to him one last time.
Yuri: Run Raizen, protect your sister.
Raizen lifted his sister and ran, despite his gut and Seria's protests. Yuri smiled on and held herself still.
Yuri: I never thought they'd send you. As the bearer of sins, deliver the final blow. I guess we'll meet in hell, my nephew.
She said as the blade descended down upon her. Rain had started to fall from above the two frightened children. Raizen ran as far as he could, but suddenly someone appeared in his path, someone different. This time it was a woman ninja, wearing the same kind of mask as the ninja before her. Raizen pushed Seria behind him and pulled his shuriken from his back. He opened it and stared at the woman's emotionless eyes.
????: Are you going to fight me?
Raizen: If I have to!
He shouted holding an arm behind for his sister to stay close. He threw the shuriken at the woman, who dodged with a single side-step.
Raizen: Instanteanous transport jutsu!
The woman peeked back as the siblings were suddenly behind her. Raizen started to run as the woman looked at them without even attempting to give chase. The reason was because her companion had already blocked their path. As Raizen finally stopped running the man stared down at him. Blink eyes looked down at him and his sister held tightly onto his shoulder once again.
????: This is where it ends.
Raizen: Like hell it is!
He said charging after the man, eyes quickly replaying the moment his parents died, the last words his mother spoke to him. His shuriken was quickly knocked from his hand and the sword that killed his parents was placed at his throat.
????: Pathetic.
The ninja pulled his sword to the side and kicked the boy into a tree next to his sister. Seria ran to Raizen and looked over to the ninja with eyes dripping hate. Raizen struggled to stand up to face the ninja approaching them, but quickly fell back down. Seria stand up and run for Raizen's weapon, but before she could reach it the ninja grabbed her. She struggled to get free, then she jumped up and locked her teeth onto the man's forearm. He stared at her once again with his blank stare and swung his arm with tremendous force. Seria went flying from his arm and landed on the back of her neck. She rolled to a stop with her eyes locked on her brother, eyes that made Raizen's tear up. Seria's eyes were blank and lifeless. The ninja's eyes wavered slightly when he noticed, but it quickly disappeared. He turned back to the boy and watched as he struggled to reach his sister. The assassin never tried to stop him, he simply watched. Raizen placed his hand on Seria's cheek and called out her name, but no response. His voice was drowned out by the rain. He slowly lowered Seria's head and stood up to face the two behind him.
????: Have you given up?
He asked to the slouching boy, face covered by went hair and eyes shaded by the darkness. The boy's face shot up, with eyes burning blood red. His sharingan blazing, he stared at the two as it slowly started to morph into something different. Black lightning bolts encircled he pupil and electricity surged through them.
Raizen: Lightning god sharingan!
He threw his hand to the side and a surge of electricity called his shuriken back to his palm. Words were beyond him, in his rage he charged at the man with speed unrivaled and slashed at the male ninja. His slash was stopped by a single kunai. Raizen pulled back and repeated slashed at the man as he lazily blocked each strike. Raizen screamed and eletricity surged from his body and through his shuriken. Using it as a lightning rod he set the surge through the ninja's kunai and into his body. Raizen noticed the ninja wince and make a false step and he tried to captilize on it, but the ninja simply switched tactics and started dodging. He slid back before his companion grew tired of watching sent a kick into the boy's face. The male ninja rushed at the boy and grabbed his collar, before placing his hands over his eyes. The boy struggled to get free and when the ninja removed his hand, he had somehow deactivated the boy's sharingan. Raizen reached for the man's face and pulled his mask off. The man was the same one he had seen earlier in the day, but that wasn't only thing he noticed. He had seen this man before in pictures his mother had shown him, from when he was younger. In dis-belief he called his name.
Raizen: Itachi Uchiha.
Itachi: So you know me, Raizen Uchiha.
????: Shall I kill him Itachi-sama?
Itachi: No, Isane. I'll deal with him myself.
Raizen placed both of his feet on Itachi's chest and pushed himself from his grip. When he hit the ground Itachi kicked him to the ground and ripped his sword from it's sheath. He walked closer to the boy and slashed downward across his face, right between the eyes. Raizen's face was forced in the opposite direction, and he spun to the ground. As he lifted himself Itachi slashed once again along his chest. Raizen fell down to his back and tried to crawl away, but suddenly he felt the blade slash across his back. Raizen turned and buried his back into the dirt, trying his best to stifle the pain in his back, shoaked to the bone from rain falling down on him. Itachi reached down and grabbed tthe boy's collar before draggin him to his face. His eyes flashed red and Raizen was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness. Fading colors and deep red were everywhere.
Seria: Oniichan!
Raizen turned as his sister threw herself onto his chest.
Raizen: You're alright.
Seria: No, Oniichan. I wanted to thank you.
Seria pulled back slightly and kissed Raizen before whispering.
Seria: Goodbye.
Before her body exploded in a hail of cinders. Raizen's eyes wavered and he stared at his sister's ash sway in the wind of the dark world.
Mirono: Son, you've grown strong. I'm sorry that I will be unable to see you grow.
Raizen turned to the voice, but was welcomed by his father's decaying body. Strips of skin and flesh falling from his body.
Mirono: I'm proud of you.
He said as his entire body melted into a puddle of red meat and bone. Raizen felt soft arms wrap around his neck from behind and his mother's voice came from in front of him.
Yuri: My brave little boy.
She said with a voice that came from below Raizen. Hesiatantly, he looked down, eyes caught the sight of his mother's face, cradled in her own hands. He looked back up and saw her headless body draped over him. In fear he screamed and she pulled her head to her chest as she asked.
Yuri: What's wrong my little one? Come to me, my son.
Raizen shook his head and ran, never looking back once. Suddenly he tripped and his mother stood in front of him once again. She reached into the neck of her head and continually digging until she somehow managed to pull her brain free of her skull. She dropped her skull and handed it to her son befoore her body fell limb to the ground. Raizen tried to close his eyes, but suddenly he once again heard his sister's voice. When he turned she repeated the exact same words as before, and once again she burned into cinders before the boy's eyes. Over, and over the events repeated themselves.
Raizen: Stop it!!!!!!!!!!!
He screamed to the top of his lungs. All of his family members gathered together and smiled.
Mirono: Fine, then let us end your misery Raizen.
With sharp fangs beared they descended onto the boy, viciously ripping his body apart. For 72 hours, he endured the pain of the mangekyou sharingan, before his eyes lost all life and his body went limp. Itachi dropped the boy to the ground and turned away.
Raizen: I swear.
Itachi and Isane turned back to the boy and stared at him as his lifeless eyes leaked onto the ground.
Raizen: I swear I'll kill you. I swear it on my life, I will kill you.
He said slightly before passing out.
Isane: He withstood it?
Itachi: Hm...
Itachi walked over to the boy and grabbed his collar.
[Flash]
The guards of Konoha patroled, looking dilegently for signs of Itachi Uchiha, the lone murderer of his own clan. One of the guards noticed something lying in front of the gates.
Seriga: Hey, there's a kid over here. Someone get the medic nins quick. It looks like he won't last very long.
The ninjas who heard her cries quickly alerted the medical ninja and Raizen was quickly rushed to hospital. All the while the sounds of the man's voice called out to him.
Itachi: [If that is truly your wish, then grow strong. Hate me and let that hate consume you, little cousin.]
Raizen shot up from his bed covered in sweat. He looked down to his shaking hands.
Raizen: Let hatred consume me.
He said to himself.
Raizen: It's been four years since that day, and I still have nightmares about it.
He looked down at his chest and dragged his hand across his scar.
Raizen: A constant reminder of my failure. My weakness. Upon these scars I lay my blame, my hatred. The symbol of the Raizen who could do nothing. I will never let hatred consume me, but someday I swear that my rage shall consume you.
He said speaking mostly to himself once again. He sat up from his bed and got dressed before walking out of his front door to find two visiters waiting on him. Sasuke looked up as his teammate finally emerged from his house. He looked down to Yukari silently waiting at her brother's side.
Raizen: Hey, what's up?
Sasuke: Kakashi-sensei wanted us.
Yu: Yeah.
Raizen: You don't come here often, what's wrong?
Yu: I wanted to see you. I had a dream about you for some strange reason. There's something weird about you.
She said looking him over. Raizen sweat-dropped and walked toward Sasuke before saying.
Raizen: Well let's go.
With that said he ran off. Sasuke pushed himself from the wall, slowly following behind Raizen. Yu reached out and pulled her hand back with a grimace.
Yu: He's avoiding me.
She said with a sigh before walking off. Raizen slowed down when he noticed that Sasuke wasn't even trying to keep up.
Raizen: What did he want anyway?
Sasuke: Don't know.
Raizen walked alongside Sasuke and mimicked his stance, stuffing his hands in his pockets and slouching forward slightly. Sasuke looked over to him with an annoyed look.
Sasuke: What are you trying to do.
Raizen: Be emo.
Sasuke: What the hell is an emo?
Raizen: You don't wanna know.
Raizen lifted his head once he and Sasuke reached the training grounds. Sakura looked over and waved at the boys as they entered. Raizen lifted a hand and Sasuke only walked forward.
Sasuke: How long have you been waiting?
Sakura: About twenty minutes.
Raizen: So we only have one more hour until he shows up. Great.
He said, voice dripping of sarcasm. Sakura looked over to Raizen and looked down, the moment caused Raizen to look away as well. He didn't knw why but it felt ackward. Sasuke noticed the moment, but quickly shrugged it off. The quiet would probably be a good thing. Sakura was avoiding Raizen, and he could tell. He just figured that she was mad at him for some reason. They sat there for one hour and a half waiting for Kakashi to arrive. All stood quiet, growing patience for their teacher's tardiness over the months he had been their sensei. A swirl of leaves fell from the tree as Kakashi finally arrived.
Kakashi: Been waiting long?
Raizen: Yeah. So what's up.
Sasuke looked up at his teacher and Sakura stood next to him and Raizen.
Kakashi: Well, I just wanted to tell you that... you guys have the day off because of the festival. Enjoy it.
He said before disappearing, leaving the three standing with their mouths agape.
Raizen: Two hours just to tell us that he didn't need us! TWO HOURS!!!!!!!
Sakura: I can't believe this!
Raizen: I'm starting to think that he just likes messing with us.
Sasuke: He's a jounin I'm sure he better things to do than mess with us.
He said while walking away.
[Flash]
Kakashi walked through the streets of Konoha with his face buried in his book, thinking to himself.
Kakashi: [Man, I love messing with those kids.]
Kakashi's eye shot up to the sight of green and he sighed.
Gai: I've finally found you Kakashi!
Kakashi: What is it Gai?
Gai: I challenge you to a duel on the night of the Kyuubi festival.
Kakashi: Oh, really. I would'nt have guessed.
He said in a normal tone, even though he was being sarcastic. Gai caught this and frowned.
Kakashi: Has any of you even thought about why we're having this festival? The Kyuubi is free now, and everyone knows it. Why are we still celebrating it?
He said mostly to himself, still lost in the sea of words and pictures his book presented. Gai reached out and wrapped his arm around his rival's shoulder.
Gai: I don't think I need to answer that for you Kakashi. Look at the people.
Kakashi moved his eyes from his book and gazed at the smiling children and adults preparing for the festivites.
Gai: In those faces lie the answer to that question Kakashi. Remember to meet me later, or duel is still on.
He said leaving Kakashi to ponder the answer for himself. Kakashi dropped his head and sighed.
Kakashi: I must be losing it if Gai of all people is giving me advice.
Kakashi shook his head and looked around for himself. Naruto woke up relatively happy. He looked at Hinata and then Hanabi. He leaned down and kissed both on the forehead and they cuddled deeper into the cover. Naruto hopped from the bed and strecthed, today he was thirteen. He looked up the ceiling as Yubiki stepped from his seal and rubbed his head before walking from the house.
Naruto heard stirring behind him and turned to see the girls slowly raising from their sleep. They never really spelt long after Naruto got up, it was like an alarm clock to them. All he had to do was move and the absence of his presence would rouse them from their sleep. Both sat up and rubbed their eyes the exact same way, which caused Naruto to laugh at them.
Hanabi: What's so funny?
She asked grogily.
Naruto: Nothing.
Hinata: Naruto-kun, why does Yubiki-san still sleep in your seal.
Naruto lifted an eyebrow and shrugged before answering.
Naruto: When I released her she gained the ability to shift the area to her will. Trust me her room looks like a palace. Once I went there and she was sun-bathing on a "beach" as she called it.
Both girls looked at him curiously as they rose from the bed. Naruto smiled and opened the door. He looked over to see Mika streching on the balcony.
Naruto: Where the hell were you?
Mika: Oh, morning Naruto. Me and Norugi-kun were asked to help decorate for the festival. Happy birthday.
Naruto: Oh yeah, thanks.
Naruto said a non-interested tone. Mika just chalked it off, and continued.
Mika: Norugi-kun didn't even tell us when his birthday was until it had already passed.
Naruto: Speaking of which how did you know it was my birthday?
Mika: Hinata-chan told me.
Naruto peeked an eye back to Hinata who only looked away as if she hadn't heard them. Naruto turned back and asked.
Naruto: Where is JJ?
Mika: He's probably putting the finishing touches on it now. He didn't go home. He's such a night owl.
Naruto: I wonder if mom knows about the festival.
Hinata: Do you want to go Naruto-kun?
Naruto: I don't have any robes to wear. I guess I'm staying.
He said hoping she would drop the subject.
Hanabi: Dad has plenty of robes you could wear. We'll just ask him
Strike 1.
Naruto: No one would want me there anyway.
Hinata: People don't mind you that much. I'm sure they'll welcome you.
Striiiike 2.
Naruto: Mom wouldn't want to go.
Yubiki: Hey Naruto. They're setting up for a festival. I'm planning on going, wanna come?
Striiiiiiike 3, you're out!
Naruto hung his head as a sign appeared over his head that read "defeat".
[Flash]
Neji walked the streets, silently eager while awaiting Ishi's arrival.
Ishi: Neji-kun?
Neji: Ishi-hime.
He said turning to her.
Ishi: I told you not to call me that here.
Neji: I apologize Ishi-sama.
Ishi frowned at him.
Ishi: Can't you just call me Ishi.
Neji: How is training going?
Ishi: "Sigh" Fine.
She said with an annoyed tone of voice.
Ishi: I did learn something new.
Neji: That is?
Ishi smiled and closed her eyes. She focused on the cart in front of her and it started to levitate in the air. When she opened her eyes and moved her hand the cart followed.
Neji: Incredible.
He said to her, his words caused her to drop it.
Neji: What's wrong?
Ishi: I have to focus hard in order to do it. It's not as easy as using pyrokinesis.
Neji: I'm sure you'll be able to master it soon Ishi-sama.
Ishi: What, is it my fate to do so?
She said with a chuckle. Neji frowned and replied.
Neji: No, because you can do it. I have faith in you.
Ishi: Yeah, but you still can't drop the suffix at the end of my name.
Neji sat silently for a moment and whispered.
Neji: Ishi.
Ishi snapped up in non-belief and turned to him.
Ishi: What was that?
Neji: Nothing. Shall we get going?
Ishi: Alright.
She said reaching out and grabbing his hand. Neji held tighter as he walked through the streets beaming with life. Every year before the festival people gathered and celebrated happily with their families and for years he had been forced to accompany Hinata and Hanabi during the events. This was the first year that he had come of his own accord. He looked up to the sun and waited for it descend, the festival would finally begin after nightfall. He spotted his sensei and teammate walked down the road speaking passionately about something as they walked, he simply turned away and focused on his path.
Gai: Lee, tonight is the day that I defeat Kakashi.
Lee: Yes Gai-sensei. You'll definitely win.
Gai: I'm going to need some of your energy Lee. Today I face my most powerful rival.
Both cheered on gaining glances from passerbys and weird stares from children.
Lee: What will I do Gai-sensei.
Gai lifted his arm and slammed his hand down on the boy's shoulder.
Gai: I want you to enjoy the festival, don't concern yourself with your sensei's quarrels.
Lee: But Gai-sensei.
Gai: No buts. Have fun Lee, this is the prime of your youth. You shouldn't spend it with me. Maybe you look hard enough, you can find a flower of youth like Neji over there.
He said pointing to Neji and Ishi as they walked passed. Neji sweatdropped and Ishi turned over to look at them.
Neji: [I was so close to getting away.]
Ishi: Hi Gai-sensei, Lee-san!
Lee: Hello Ishi.
Gai: Keep Neji in check now, youthful Ishi-sama.
Ishi: Okay!
She said pumping her fist. People started to look even more now. Neji cursed his luck that Gai had taken a liking to the girl, and she would even participate in the youthful training. She had always said that it was easier than training under Anko, which made him wonder how hard her training really was. He grabbed the girl's hand and walked away from the others before they could say anymore. Gai smiled and turned to Lee. He noticed something in his eyes and he smiled.
Gai: What is it?
Lee: I'm happy for Neji, he seems so much happier now.
Gai: Yeah, he does.
Gai looked to the side and saw someone looking as if they were waiting for him to walk away. Gai smiled and said to Lee.
Gai: Well, it's time for me to prepare. You have fun now.
Gai walked off and Lee looked back at him before turning back to the constantly rising decorations.
????: What are you doing?
Lee: Oh, Tenten.
Tenten: You going to the festival with anyone?
Lee: No. I wish I could find someone. I think Sakura-san is busy.
Tenten: Uh, Lee.
Lee: Then again, she'd propably turn me down again.
Tenten: Lee!!
She shouted making him break from his inner thoughts. Lee turned to her and she blushed.
Tenten: I'm not doing anything.
Lee: Really? I was sure that you would've found someone by now.
Tenten: Yeah, well you know.
Lee: Would you like to go with me.
Tenten: Why not.
She said shrugging her shoulders, trying to hide her happiness. Lee smiled and grabbed her hand.
Lee: Come Tenten, let us prepare for the festival.
Tenten: Okay.
She said as he led her off, squeezing tightly onto his hand as they left.
[Flash]
Shikamaru sat back in the grass, lazily gazing at the clouds above. He turned back as his friend's unmistakable footsteps trailed behind him.
Choji: Com'n Shikamaru, you're gotta come this year.
Shikamaru: Festivals are troublesome.
Choji: You say that every year. I mean com'n, can't you at least go once?
Shikamaru: No.
Choji: Why?
Shikamaru: I just told you.
Choji: So you're just going to spend all day at home?
Shikamaru: No, Mom kicked me out the house for the day. So I'm gonna be right here for the rest oof the day.
Choji: That's all the more reason you should come.
Shikamaru: Why do you want me to go so bad?
Choji: Because this year is different.
Shikamaru looked at him for a second and gazed back the sky before closing his eyes with a smile.
Shikamaru: You're right. Okay, I'll go.
He said sitting up.
Shikamaru: But, first we need a way to get back in my house so I can get a robe.
Choji: That should be easy. All we have to do is go back to your house.
Shikamaru: Well, the thing about that is-
[Flash]
Choji looked in amazment at the ten different locks placed on the door, full with chains and a sign that read, "break this door and I'll kill you!".
Choji: What the hell!
Shikamaru: When my mom says she wants me out, she wants me out.
He said shrugging his shoulders. Choji slumped his and said.
Choji: This may take a while.
He said with a sigh. Ino walked down the streets accompanied by Sakura, who both laughed together like they had in days long past. Sakura looked over to the side and saw Raizen walking up the other side of the street. Sakura looked away from him and he did the same, matching the image he saw before him. Both crossed each other without a word. Raizen looked back once he passed her and looked back at his path.
Ino: What was that about? You two have a fight?
Sakura: No, but I think he's mad at me.
Ino: What happened?
Sakura: I overheard something. I-well, he was talking to Kiba in the hospital, you know before the attack on Orochimaru, and I heard that.
Ino: Heard what?
Sakura: Raizen likes me, I mean he's in love with me.
Ino instantly let the tension out of her shoulders and looked at Sakura as if she was stupid.
Ino: It took all that for you to notice, I mean, god the guy jumped in front of a shuriken that paralzed him because he wanted to protect you. I knew that when we were eight. You're late Sakura.
Sakura: Shut up! I didn't know okay.
Ino: Man, is that big forehead of yours just filled with air or something? It was kind of obvious to anyone who could've seen it. I bet even Sasuke knows.
Sakura: I hope not. [A/N: He does.]
Ino: So you he's mad at you because you ease-dropped on him?
Sakura: No. I don't think he knows. It's probably because I've been avoiding him.
Ino: Why?
Sakura: Because things are suddenly ackward.
Ino: Because he loves you?
She said crossing her arms over her chest.
Sakura: No. It's because....I think I like him back.
Ino slid back in non-belief and stared wide-eyed at the girl who threw her incredulious look.
Sakura: How'd you slide back that far in one thrust?
Ino: That doesn't matter right now. Does that mean you don't like Sasuke anymore?
She said with a snake-like smile.
Sakura: No.
Ino: You've been saying that alot.
Sakura: I've been avoiding him because I'm confused. Looking at Sasuke still gives me that fast heartbeat, but now so does Raizen.
Ino: Your mission must be interesting. Sasuke-kun, Raizen-kun, Sasuke-kun, Raizen-kun. Hahahahaha!
Sakura: I'm glad you're having fun tormenting me.
Ino: Say you don't deserve it.
She said breaking from her laughter. She shrugged at Sakura and said.
Ino: You're on the same team, you'll have to talk eventually.
Sakura: I guess. Move.
Ino: Wha?
She said in confusion at the last part, before Sakura grabbed her arm and pulled her the side just as JJ came crashing into the ground. Both girls leaned in to check him and he shot up from the ground.
JJ: I can't put up all these damned decorations!
He said throwing down the decor in his hands. He then proceeded to stomp them on the ground before taking notice of the girls at his side. JJ lifted a hand to them and smiled
JJ: Hey.
Sakura: What was that about?
JJ: I volunteered to do the decorations through the night, so I guess people assumed that I don't get tired or something. Which is bullshit!!!!
He said screaming the village.
Ino: Are you okay?
JJ: Yeah I'm just sleepy. Whenever I'm sleepy, let's just say that my mouth and body stop being censored. By the way Ino-chan, nice rack.
Ino: Hey.
She said covering herself and blushing with a slight smile.
JJ: Sleepy.
He said quickly as if giving blame to something else. He looked around and thought. He turned to the girls with an evil smile. He grabbed Ino's hands and asked her sweetly.
JJ: Ino-chan, can you do this for me? I promise I'll take a quick nap and be right back.
He said with a smile.
Sakura: That's not gonna work-
Ino: Of course, I will.
She said with dreamy eyes, Sakura fell over.
JJ: Thanks. If at anytime it gets to be too much just come get me. I promise I'll relieve you of duty.
He said running off into the distance. Ino snapped out and stared at her hands.
Ino: How did he do that. He used my own trick against me.
She said thinking back to the many times she had used it on him. Sakura jumped up and shouted.
Sakura: What was that!
Ino: He's a quick learner.
She said staring at his disappearing form.
Sakura: Do you like him?
Ino: Kinda, but he likes Mika. I can tell.
She said picking up the decor from the ground. Sakura squealed and jumped back as a shadow appeared over Ino.
JJ: You know what, nevermind. I can't make you do this. I'll finish, I can't do that to you. [Damn you chivalry!]
He said as he jumped back onto the roofs and started to decorate once again.
Sakura: That was weird.
Ino: He's nice, far too nice to use that trick.
She said smiling at him. Her mind drifted to three weeks ago, despite what everyone believe of her, she was training intensely in the trees in the forest. Unfortunately, she was trying too hard. As she leapt from a tree, and tried reaching out for a branch, but missed it by inches. She fell down and landed on her feet with a snap. She crumbled to the ground in pain trying to cradle her injured ankle. Cursing her own secrecy, no one would be out there to help her. She pushed back against a tree and let tears roll down her face before covering her own face with her arms.
????: Are you okay?
She looked up and wiped her eyes as the bronze skinned boy smiled down at her. He leaned down and checked her ankle.
JJ: It looks like it's twisted, you shouldn't push yourself so hard.
JJ reached back and grabbed a handkercheif from his pocket before he gently wrapped it on her ankle, tightly pulling it together. She winced at the pain and JJ turned around with his back bent down.
Ino: What are you-
JJ: Piggyback. You're not too shy are you?
Ino quietly shook her head and reached around his neck while blushing the whole way. JJ reached down and picked up her legs while being careful not to touch anywhere that would offend her. He walked through the large trees and stopped at the bench near the main road before setting her down. He silently smiled at her deep blush as he leaned down.
JJ: If you wait here someone will find you. Unless you wanted me to carry you all the way through the village like that.
Ino: Thank you.
JJ: It's alright.
He said as he started doing handsign and placed his hands on her ankle. They glowed green, and his touch felt warm, even warmer than usual. She pulled back after a few seconds and her wound was gone. She pulled up her ankle and rubbed it before asking.
Ino: What did you do?
JJ: I'm the student of a medic nin. Did you really think I didn't know any medical ninjutsu of my own.
He said as he walked off. Ino blushed again and screamed.
Ino: Then you could've just healed me when you found me.
JJ stopped and peeked back over his shoulder.
JJ: Yeah, but then I wouldn't have been able to carry you.
He said with a smile before continuing his stride. Ino blushed deeper and smiled slightly.
Ino stopped reminescing and walked over too him before she started helping on her own. He looked at her, but she didn't say anything. He turned back and Sakura slowly walked over and helped as well. None said anything, but they all worked together. As suddenly as the sun had arisen into the sky, it descended into the ground. JJ stood in Naruto's room as he prepared to get ready for the festival. Yubiki stood in her kimono and twirled in front of Hinata and Hanabi who were both waiting in their own kimonos. Mika waited with the other girls as the two guys in the room got ready.
JJ: Are you sure about going?
Naruto: I might as well.
JJ: Do you know what it's about?
Naruto: No, how would I?
JJ: Man are you going to be in for a surprise.
Naruto: What do you mean?
JJ: Nothing.
He said as he and Naruto finally walked out of the room. Naruto's eyes swept the room and he smiled at his himes and mother who seemed to be beaming. He had never seen her so happy, it looked like all her troubles had washed away, at least for the moment. He also noticed something that he wouldn't have said aloud to her, but when she smiled like that, she looked almost human. It made him wonder what was the difference between humans and demons, except for the obvious difference in power, of course. JJ cleared his throat and dismissed the conversation drifting throughout the room. The girls turned to them and Naruto peeked at Hinata before asking.
Naruto: JJ's acting weird, what's the catch about this festival.
Yubiki's ears grew long and fluttered above her head like a normal fox's and she placed her finger to her chin.
Yubiki: I don't know. Now that I think about it what is the reason for having a festival today?
She said also turning to Hinata. Hanabi stepped back leaving her sister to answer the question on her own and she looked down.
Hinata: Well, it's the Kyuubi day festival.
Yubiki: They named the festival after me. Why?
She said with a smile, Hinata looked away again and continued.
Hinata: It's a festival to celebrate the...the day the Kyuubi was defeated.
Yubiki's smile dropped and Naruto's eyebrow twitched. Yubiki snapped to the side and said.
Yubiki: Can you repeat that for me.
Hinata: I-It's a celebration o-of your defeat.
Yubiki smiled.
Yubiki: Oh really?
She said lifting her arm, dripping of red chakra and eyes slit.
Yubiki: Well, I think I'll have a word with the villagers about that.
Naruto: Right behind you.
He said with his eyes also slit. Hanabi jumped in front of them waving wildly.
Hanabi: Wait, don't do that.
Both lifted an eyebrow at herand Yubiki leaned down at her with a wicked smile. Hanabi didn't know why, but Yubiki smile scared her in place. Even though she knew Yubiki wouldn't hurt her, she stood her ground and shouted.
Hanabi: Please.
Yubiki pulled back and crossed her arms with a huff.
Yubiki: Is that all you were going to do. Lame. Whatever, but if one of them looks at me cross-eyed after acting out such an offense, I don't know what I might do.
She said smiling wickedly once again. Hanabi ran and hid behind Naruto who was still upset. He sighed and said.
Naruto: Now I really don't wanna go.
Hinata: It'll be alright. Just come.
She said grabbing his hand as he reluctantly let her lead him. He walked outside and looked at all of the smiling people and it seemed to calm him and Yubiki down slightly. He walked down the stairs as the others followed. Yubiki walked ahead of him and led the others down the road. Sarutobi looked at her and almost swallowed his pipe. Others had similar reactions as they gazed at her. She stopped and said calmly.
Yubiki: What? It's not like I'm mad or anything. I'm just ere to enjoy the festival.
She said with a smile despite the fact that she was spilling red chakra through her pores. The people looked on and shivered.
Naki: We didn't really think this through did we?
Sarutobi: No, no we didn't.
Yubiki dispersed of her chakra and walked calmly through everyone. Slowly, but surely, the festival picked back up. Naruto walked around with the girls and Yubiki following him. Iruka spied her and walked over to her.
Iruka: Hello Yubiki-san.
Yubiki: What this about? You wanna pick another fight?
She said with an arrogant smile.
Iruka: No. I wanted to know if you were hungry.
Naruto looked at the guy with a smile then he silently grabbed the girls and walked away.
Yubiki: Sorry, but I'm just gonna-
She turned and noticed the absence of the children behind her. She grimaced and said.
Yubiki: Why not.
Iruka looked behind her and walked through the people crowding the festival. A child bumped into her and fell. The little girl looked up to her as if afraid she had angered her. Yubiki bent down and grabbed the small prize the girl had dropped before she placed it back in her hand and rubbed her head. She gave the girl and warm smile and helped her up. The girl smiled back and waved to her as she went on her way. Yubiki waved back and snapped head toward Iruka who was looking at her in disbelief.
Yubiki: What's wrong with you!?
Iruka: N-Nothing.
He said turning away with a blush.
[Flash]
Naruto walked with Hinata holding one hand and Hanabi holding the other. He noticed someone waiting at the end of the road and flashed an arrogant smile as Hanabi waved. Sasuke turned his head the Naruto and they both entered a battle of snorts. Hinata looked at them and turned to Hanabi as she greeted Yu.
Hanabi: That's a conversation for them.
Hinata: Oh.
Both boys turned around and began looking around the festival. Sasuke lifted his head and said.
Sasuke: So you're cool about this?
He asked finally returning his gaze to Naruto.
Naruto: As cool as I'm gonna be. I didn't think you'd actually come.
Sasuke: I'm here because she wanted to come.
He said looking at his sister.
Naruto: Same here.
????: Naruto-kun.
Naruto turned to Lee who walked with Tenten practically latched onto his hand. Lee stopped in front of him and smiled.
Lee: It is good to see you here. May I be the first to wish you a happy birthday.
Naruto: Nice to see you Lee. Wait, how did you know it was my birthday?
????: That's easy.
He turned to see Shikamaru walking up behind him.
Shikamaru: According to your story, you were born on the day of the Kyuubi's attack. This is a festival that celebrates the day of the Kyuubi's defeat. Both were the same day, it's not hard to put the two together.
Naruto looked away and frowned. Choji looked at him and spied the crowd.
Choji: Where is JJ?
Naruto looked back and shrugged.
Naruto: We split up when we got here.
Choji: He's probably avoiding me. He's not getting out of this that easily.
He said stomping off. Tenten lifted an eyebrow and stared.
Tenten: What was that about?
Shikamaru: Don't know.
He said shrugging and Naruto looked at him.
Naruto: Better question; why are you wearing that robe?
He asked Shikamaru, who's robe was about five sizes larger than him.
Shikamaru: Oh, my mom locked me out so I had to borrow one from Choji.
Yu: She locked you out?
Shikamaru: Yeah, and she bolted the windows.
They all stared at him for a moment in complete silence.
Hanabi: That's disturbing.
She said breaking the silence.
[Flash]
Yubiki picked up a the ramen between her chopsticks and placed it in her mouth. She swallowed and looked over to Iruka who was sitting next her, staring at his wallet.
Yubiki: What's wrong with these humans? How dare they do something this?
She said still eating. Iruka smiled and looked over to her.
Iruka: I think it's a good thing.
Yubiki stopped and placed her chopsticks down before narrowing her eyes toward him.
Yubiki: How so, oh wise one?
Iruka: Well, I think that the people actually forgot that you were free.
Yubiki: That's likely.
She said dripping with sarcasm.
Iruka: I think that this festival symbolizes the strength of our village, and the fact that they still set it up is proof enough. It means that they don't mind that you're the same fox that attacked us so long ago.
Yubiki: That's funny. Just a while ago you tried to fight me, and now you're telling me I'm forgiven. Don't mind me if I'm little sceptical.
She said eating once again.
Iruka: I don't blame you.
He said as he started eating too. Ichiraku looked down at them and smiled.
Ichiraku: Isn't it Naruto's birthday today?
Yubiki: Yeah, but as unlikely as it may sound, I don't think he's going to stop by. He didn't want people to know about it.
Ichiraku: Why don't you go have fun too, or are you going to hang out at my booth all night?
Yubiki: I don't feel like it.
Ayame: I'm sure Iruka will be happy to be your escort. Go and enjoy yourself Yubiki-san. The ramen will be on the house later.
Yubiki looked up, sighed, and finished her bowl before standing up. Iruka paid and stood up with her as she walked with her eyes drawn away from everyone else, as if trying to avoid stares. When she finally looked she noticed that no one was staring at her.
Iruka: See.
He said catching her gaze.
Iruka: Wanna try a game?
Yubiki: What game?
Iruka: There's plenty, just pick one.
Yubiki walked over to a tank of goldfish and bent down.
Yubiki: Is this one.
Yubiki asked Iruka who just nodded at her. The man running the game seemed to start sweating when she came. She looked at the man and asked.
Yubiki: So, what do I do?
Fuuga: Um, well you just catch a fish in the net and you get to keep the fish that you catch.
Yubiki: How much?
Fuuga: 20 Ryo.
Yubiki felt in the pockets of her Kimono and pulled out a coin piece she had "borrowed" from Naruto. She handed it to the man and he handed her a net. She rolled up her sleeve and dipped the net into the water manuvered it under the fish. Once she lifted the net under the fish it ripped apart. She dropped the man another coin piece and grabbed a new net. She went after the same fish and once she seized the moment the net ripped again. She narrowed her eyes and looked slowly over the Fuuga.
Yubiki: This game is rigged.
Fuuga jumped back with sweat dripping down his face as he waved his hands in front of himself.
Fuuga: No of course it isn't just keep trying. [This game is so rigged, I just don't wanna die.]
Yubiki tried once again to catch the fish, but once again the net ripped. A vein bulged in her head and she shouted.
Yubiki: That it!!!
She changed into the form of a nomal fox as the clothes she wore dripped over her body. She watched with unbinking eyes at the fish then she quickly swiped into the tank. The fish tried desperately to swin away with a tear dripping dow it's face in defeat. Yubiki smacked the fish from the tank and snapped her head toward Fuuga and shouted.
Yubiki: BAG IT!!!
Fuuga: Yes ma'am.
He said quickly getting to the task. Yubiki changed back and took a breath of relief, before she turned and noticed that everyone was staring at her. She looked down and noticed that because of her transformation, her kimono had come back on wrong when she changed back. She slowly lifted it back up and blushed.
Yubiki: Don't look at me like that, you're embarrassing me.
She said in an extremely sexy voice, causing all of the men to pass out in a nosebleed.
Yubiki: I still got it.
She said as she grabbed the unconcious Iruka and wrapped the bag containing the fish around her wrist.
[Flash]
Naruto jumped from the top of a roof, landing in front JJ who seemed to be staring into space.
Naruto: What's wrong with you?
JJ: Huh?
He said slowly turning to him. Naruto looked at what JJ seemed to be caught by. It was Mika, she was surrounded by boys, all vying for her attention.
Naruto: So that's it. Why don't you just go over there?
JJ: I don't know what to say....
JJ spaced out again and then started humming, which confused Naruto. Then he started singing.
JJ: Always talkin' bout what you got, always talkin' bout what you got, always talkin' bout what you got. Girl you know that you need to stop.
He sang while bobbing his head. Naruto lifted an eyebrow and called out to him, making him snap from his daydream and look at him.
Naruto: What was that about?
He asked in confusion.
JJ: Oh, um nothing.
Naruto had forgotten the entire reason he was looking for him until it came to them.
Choji: JJ!
JJ turned to Choji with wide eyes.
Choji: I challenge you to a BBQ eating contest. Be there in ten minutes annd don't even try to back out!
He shouted before he stomped off.
JJ: What the hell?
Naruto: Oh yeah, that's why I was looking for you.
JJ: Ha, he really wants to beat me. Guess I have to accept.
Mika looked over to him and waved to him before she politely bowed out of the crowd. She walked over to him and smiled.
Mika: You seem tired Norugi-kun.
JJ: Kind of.
Mika: Are you okay?
JJ: Yeah, I guess. Shouldn't you get back to your army of admirers?
Mika: What's wrong with you?
JJ: Nothing.
Naruto: Shouldn't you be getting ready for that BBQ eating contest?
JJ: Whatever.
He said standing tall and walking off, leaving Naruto and Mika staring on.
Mika: What's up his ass?
Naruto: I don't know.
JJ: There's nothing up my ass!!!!!
He shouted from down the road, causing people to stare at him, not that he really cared. Choji sat impatiently waiting for JJ to arrive, until he finally did.
JJ: What's this about?
Choji: Today, you go down.
JJ: Alright. Let's go then.
He said with a smile as they both walked onto the stage with the other contestants. Both took their seats and stared at each other.
Ruuga: Begin.
Both boys indulged in the plates before them and ate like their lives depended on it. Naruto walked passed and stared at them as other began to crowd around. After the fourth plate a competitor fell to the side in defeat while others began to surrender or quit. Ino stopped and stared at both boys before she began to chuckle. They both looked ridiculous, but at least the were having fun. After fifteen more bowls it was only two standing. Choji looked over to JJ who seemed like he hadn't even been eating at all. His face was normal and he simply looked over to him and smiled.
JJ: What's wrong Akimichi? Do you remeber what I am. I've been eating way more than this for a long time. And sometimes it only took one bite.
He said with a smile, but Choji just frowned. He was not going to lose, Shikamaru, Ino, and his parents were in the crowd. He couldn't be beaten. He reached down and forced down another plateful of meat before looking back at JJ who seemed to start sweating. He struggled to reach down and put up a piece of meat, then his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he passed out onto the floor. Ruuga walked over and grabbed Choji's hand before raising it into the air.
Ruuga: We have a winner!
The crowds's cheers filled the air as Choji stood triumphant. His parent showered him with praise as JJ was dragged from the stage. Naruto walked around as Hinata and Hanabi followed behind him. Naruto looked down JJ at and said with a plain face.
Naruto: You done?
JJ shot up and replied.
JJ: Yeah I'm done.
The girls jumped in surprise and stared at him.
Hanabi: I thought you were unconcious.
JJ: That's why it's called acting.
He said as he stood up and walked away slowly.
JJ: Let's let Choji have his pride.
He said as he flapped up his jacket and walked away from the booth. Choji saw him walking away and smiled before he umped down through the crowd and went toward him.
Choji: Ha, I finally beat you!
JJ: Yeah you beat me Choji, you won. What say we go out for BBQ to celebrate?
Choji: WOO, sounds like a plan to me.
Everyone gathered around them sweatdropped and began to ask a question before both boys walked off.
Kiba: I could go for some BBQ, what about you Akamaru?
Akamaru: Arf!
Kiba rubbed the dog's head and walked after Choji. Everyone else just shrugged and followed behind. Sasuke looked to the side and saw Raizen walking through the people quietly, as if trying to escape something. He was looking back and Sasuke turned as someone called you him.
Ino: Raizen!
Raizen jumped and turned around to them.
Raizen: [Dammit!]
Sakura looked down and Ino waved to him.
Ino: We're for BBQ, you wanna come?
Raizen quickly turned around and jumped when he saw Kiba in front of him. Kiba reached up and dropped his arm around Raizen's shoulder.
Kiba: So you gonna hide from her?
Raizen shook and looked at him with wide eyes.
Kiba: I'm not blind man. Why don't you practice what you preach.
He said pushing him forward and walking behind him.
Kiba: He said he''s coming.
Shino pushed his glasses up to his face and shook his head as everyone walked off. Raizen and Sakura both grew extremely quiet as they walked. Everyone noticed and looked at them, but their faces were toward the ground so they never noticed. Ishi leaned forward and asked.
Ishi: You two having a lover's tiff?
Both Raizen and Sakura's head shot up and they turned around completely red whiled everyone smiled at them. They both waved their hands in front of their faces while furiously denying it. Yu laughed at them and said.
Yu: When you deny it that hard it makes you look like you're lying.
Sasuke chuckled and made Sakura blush even redder. Naruto led everyone back to their path and stopped in front of the restuarant.
Naruto: We going in?
He asked with Hinata standing under him. Everyone turned away from Raizen and Sakura before walking into the restaurant.
Minutes later the entire place was bustling with conversation. Lee laughed with his friends, not looking at where he was reaching, he reached down for his cup, but unfortunately he grabbed the wrong one. Neji and Tenten felt a chill go up their spine and they looked at Lee with fear in their eyes. Tenten quickly pulled a shuriken and threw it into the cup, spilling it's contents all over Lee who quickly sat up.
Tenten: I'm sorry about that, com'n we need to get you cleaned up.
She said leading him off by the hand. Neji let out a deep exhale and everyone looked at him.
Ino: What was that about?
Neji: Lee, picked up sake.
Kiba: What's wrong with that? I mean, it is a party.
Neji: Let's just say Lee and sake don't mix. At all.
He said as if he was relieved.
[Flash]
Yubiki walked down the street eating her dango while smiling happily. Iruka was staring at her and she turned to him with her fox ears showing through her human form.
Yubiki: What?
Iruka just stared at her ears while slightly blushing.
Iruka: Nothing at all.
Iruka looked up to the sky and checked his watch.
Iruka: [It's almost time.] We should get ready. The night is almost over and we have something to show you.
He said grabbing her hand and running off.
[Flash]
The group of genin walked from the restaurant and checked the sky. JJ smiled and said.
JJ: We have to go.
Everyone checked their watches and smiled. Naruto was the only one who didn't know what was happening, but Hinata and Hanabi grabbed his hand before leading the entire group towards the hill on the far side of the village. Raizen walked a different way and sat at a bench, before looking into the sky.
Sakura: Hey.
Raizen looked up as emerald green eyes gazed down at him from above. She slowly walked around the bench and sat down next to him.
[Flash]
Sasuke sat down at the hill next to Naruto and his group [Hinata, Hanabi, JJ, Mika.] with his little sister sitting close under his arm. Lee sat under a tree on the far side with Tenten sitting beside him. Neji sat below the others with Ishi holding hand. InoShikaCho, all sat next to each other staring at the sky with expectation. Shino looked over as Kiba sat next to him while slightly peeking his head over to Hinata who seemed to be happy beyond belief.
Shino: Are you okay?
Kiba: Yeah. As long as she's happy.
He said looking to the sky.
[Flash]
Naki: Just like we planned.
Genma: Yeah, I hope he can see it.
[Flash]
Naruto: What are we all doing here?
Hinata: You'll see.
She said right before a flare flew into the sky. Naruto jumped to his feet and prepared, but Hnata grabbed his arm.
Hinata: It's okay.
Hanabi: It's just fireworks.
Naruto: Fireworks?
JJ: Yeah, it's fire that flies into the air and explode to make shapes.
Hanabi: They're pretty.
Naruto sat back down and watched in amazment.
[Flash]
Sakura: I'm sorry if I offended you.
Raizen: It's alright. I'm kind of used to it.
Sakura: It's not okay. You're always there for me and well...thank you.
Raizen: So you did hear me talking to Kiba.
He said smacking his head.
Raizen: No wonder you're mad.
Sakura: I'm not mad. I didn't mean to hurt you I should've been more considerate of your feelings.
Raizen: I don't want you to feel like you owe me. That's why I never told you.
Sakura: Hehe. That's what I like about you. Raizen, I'm not giving up on Sasuke, but I think we should start over from the beginning.
Raizen: Sounds good.
He said shaking her hand. Sakura turned and her heart beat at seventy miles per hour. She felt like her chest would burst. Raizen looked at the fireworks and Sakura turned.
Sakura: Raizen.
Raizen turned to her and his eyes went wide as she kissed him. Time froze and his heart stopped. After what seemed like an eternity she pulled back and he stared at her with a furious blush.
Sakura: What, it's not like I haven't kissed you before.
Raizen's mind replayed to their childhood. It was his first kiss, she accompanied them with the words "Now that that's out of the way, we can be friends." However, it only deepened his feelings for her and gave him a blush that didn't fade for the entire day. He doubted that the blush on his face would fade today either. Sakura looked to the sky and satred at the lightshow before saying.
Sakura: It's beautiful.
Raizen: Yes, it is.
Sakura never looked down, or else she would have noticed that he wasn't looking at the fireworks, but his gaze was set on her. After a short while he finally looked to the sky.
[Flash]
Kakashi looked from the roof and gazed at the sky.
Kakashi: So, that's what you meant Gai. It's not about the Kyuubi's defeat, but the feeling of strength that the festival represents.
Gai: Now you get it. Now that that's done with, it's time for our duel.
Kakashi: Hm, were you saying something?
He asked lifting his face from his book.
Gai: Our duel Kakashi.
Kakashi: Oh, I had forgotten about that.
Gai: What!?
Kakashi placed his arm down on the table and opened his palm.
Kakashi: Arm wrestling.
Gai: Ha, why such a simple game.
Kakashi: Because I want to get book to my book, and you're interfering with that.
Gai: Fine, I accept. Get ready to lose Kakashi!
He said sitting down across from the man and latched his hand onto his opponent's. Both struggled, but Gai quickly gained the upperhand. Kakashi peeked his eye behind Gai and said.
Kakashi: Is that someone insulting the springtime of youth over there.
Gai: What!?
He shouted quickly looking to the side before his hand slammed the table. Kakashi pulled out his book and once again became lost in the words.
Kakashi: I guess I win.
Gai looked at his hand and dropped his head.
Gai: Damn you Kakashi.
Kakashi: Maybe you should pay more attention.
Gai dropped his head down on the table and Kakashi stood triumphant after winning his match with Gai before silently walking off.
[Flash]
The children sat on the hill staring at the sky in awe. Mika sat next to JJ and laid her head on his shoulder. He looked over to her and then back to the sky. Tenten scooted closer to Lee and grabbed his hand. Lee turned to her and smiled. Once he was finally in position she pressed her lips on his. Lee had no time to react, he barely even processed that it happened. Tenten quickly pulled back and looked away from him.
Lee: Tente-
Tenten: Shut up. I just felt like doing that okay. Don't read too much into it.
Lee: H-Hai.
He said quickly looking back to the sky, both ignoring the blushes on he other's face. Naruto turned his face away from them and chuckled.
[Music que: Shooting star by: Home Made Kazoku.]
He looked over to Sasuke and he snorted and nudged his head to the sky as something flew into it. The spark was larger than the others. Everyone turned to him and smiled as it flew into the dark sky. Once it exploded the sparks fromed something. It was a statement that read; "Happy 13th Naruto!". Naruto's eyes went wide and people cheered at the dazzling display. Naruto stared at it with his mouth open, blankly staring at it. The words seemed to illuminate the the entire sky.
Naruto turned around to the smiles of his friends and he looked back to the sky with a smile. Not his arrogant one, not his evil one, but the smile he only wore for his himes. He smiled, for the first time allowing the entire world to see his real smile. JJ placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder and he caught himself, folding his arms before turning around with his eyes closed, but his smile wouldn't fade.
[Flash]
Everyone looked to the sky with smiles and Naki folded his arms at his work. Three people had come up with the idea to do that. It was he, Iruka and Hiashi. Once he presented it to the hokage he applauded them and openly accepted the idea, they still hadn't properly thanked him for the attack by the stone. This was all they could offer at the moment, but though he would never say it, for Naruto, it was enough.
Yubiki smiled at the words as Iruka held tightly onto her hand and she said silent enough for only Iruka to hear.
Yubiki: For a festival based on my death. This isn't so bad.
She said gazing into the night sky smiling at the stars lighting the night. Hiashi went to find his daughters, but found something that he hadn't expected. He found the children, all had fallen asleep in the field of grass. Hinata and Hanabi both clinging to Naruto as he slept stretched out along the ground. The other parents stared on as well smiling at the precious sight. Ino had found rest laying on Choji stomach as if it were a pillow. Shikamaru laid in behind them. Mika laid out across JJ chest as he slept soundly. Lee and Tenten slept leaning against one another on a tree. Yu laid under Sasuke who had somehow managed to sleep sitting up. Shino laid back on a tree as Kiba laid back up in the grass, snoring with Akamaru perched on his chest. Raizen slept with his head on Sakura's lap, which happened after they had fallen asleep. After a while of inner turmoil, the adults decided to let them rest. No kind of monster would even dream of disturbing such a precious scene.
[Flash] The next morning came and Sarutobi found himself busy with his duties once again. He was forced to spend the entire night with his grandson, whom wouldn't stop talking about Naruto being his new teacher. It was times like that that made him remember his own age.
That however, wasn't the reason he was busy, but an emmissary had come to him. Requesting a mission from a specific team.
Sarutobi: You require team fourteen? May I ask why?
????: I apololgize. My name is Yugo Yuzuka. I am from the hidden stone village.
Sarutobi's eyes shot into a glare.
Yugo: I am not here to begin conflict. I only wish to fix the damage done the last time our village visited. I would also like to meet the one who defeated the last general.
Sarutobi: Why should I agree to these terms.
Yugo: I wish to reestablish trades with the leaf. If this goes right, both of our countries will thrive. All I ask is that you allow a show of good faith. We have trouble, I ask that you assist us.
Sarutobi: I will send the team you asked, but only because I know they could handle themselves if you try something. I will assist you, but know that I do not trust you.
Yugo: I understand. I will go and greet them personally.
He said as he bowed and walked from the room.
[Flash]
Naruto walked down the street with JJ, Mika, and Hinata trailing behind him. All laughing and speaking of the events of the night before, except Naruto wo had reverted to his public personality. He looked up to a suspicious man and Mika dropped everything she had and shivered when she saw him. JJ looked up to the man as he stopped in front of them with a smile.
Yugo: Hello, Mika.
Mika shivered even more as she weakly said.
Mika: Oniichan.
Everyone looked to the man and narrowed their eyes. This guy was trouble, and something was going to happen. Peace was a fragile thing, it never seems to last long, because the weeds in the grass are always growing, no matter how many you pull the weeds will keep coming, and soon they will tarnish the beauty of the entire field.
Chapter 7 end
Preview:
JJ: I don't trust this guy.
Naruto: Neither do I.
Hinata: Are you okay Mika?
Mika: Yeah, I'm fine.
Claire: Keep yours wits about you, you four. As far as I'm concerned, we're in enemy territory.
JJ: Wait that guy seems strange. What!? Naruto that guy is a Jinchuuriki!
Naruto: What?
Gaara: So you are Naruto Uzumaki.
Naruto: Now we have two problems.
Hinata: Naruto-kun, that guy practically radiates killer intent.
Naruto: Damn.
Next time on Eyes piercing the darkness.
Mika's destiny: Journey into stone!
JJ: I will protect her!!!
Well, that took longer than I thought. Mostly because I have a very low attention span. I tend to get side-tracked while writing. I don't even know why. I try to fight it, but it's hard. And yes, there will be Gaara in the next chapter. Despite what it's says in the the preview, the chapter is not about Gaara and the main character only meet him breifly, but they do meet him for the first time as well as more of his brutality. What I really plan for the next chapter is character depth for Mika and the explaination of why she can do powerful jutsu without using handsigns.
Also, Isane is the last OC from RN:AC. Her story is that she was created to be Itachi's Sakura. That's honestly what I thought when I made her. But unlike Sakura, she's strong and she is a pychic like Ishi, only much stronger. She is only vicious and bloodthristy if it would benefit Itachi. Her loyalty to him is boundless, and she wouldn't heistate to kill people. Itachi brought her with him because she is a powerful asset. She only trusts Itachi, because he saved her life, therefore she is devoted to him. I had added everyone else from the story so I figured, why not.
Speaking of which. I made a silent promise to myself. If that story can get 200 views, I would update it. I was kind of hating it, because I like the story, but I refuse to waste time. Recently I got 200 views, so now bound by my word, I have to update it. As such the next chapter my take a little long, but don't worry, I can mutli-task...I think.
Also when JJ was singing to himself, it was a reference to a song called "What you got" by Colby O' Donis and Akon. I was planning to make a songfic at the end of the chapter, but I decided against it. I may add it later, but I don't know.
DON'T SKIP THIS!!!!!!! I want to know, while JJIno won't happen because I hate when people make original characters based off of someone they knew or themselves and pair them with actual charaters. Not knocking people who do it, I just don't. So, as such I'm not going to do it. But, I want to know from the people, do you think Raizen and Sakura make a good couple or do you want me to keep it SasuSaku. I will take opinions for this. Because I'm caught between the two.
P.S. before I go. The LeeTen kiss was a special request from the girl I love, so This is for you.
Kingdom Hearts 2: I felt that I should mention this one first because I actually referenced it a few times in the chapter. First off was the giant vs. JJ. The Roxas vs. giant nobody fight inspired the beginning of that fight. Next was while fighting Orochimaru/Aneha. When Orochimaru captured Naruto and repeatedly pummeled him while JJ tried to make his way over to him was inspired by a moment in the final fight, which is the only time you control Riku during the game.
The end of Heartache: Because of the fact that I couldn't find a way to link the song to the final fight and make it as long as I wanted it, I didn't list it, but this song actually inspired the final draft of the fight, because like I mentioned before, I kind of kept recreating it until I got what I felt was right.
Since I always talk before chapters anyway I might as well do it about this one this time. References, most may have noticed that I have that list every chapter. Well, mostly because I draw inspiration from everything I see, from a single blade of grass to my favorite shows and games. Also seeing as I wrote this, I really like to poke around with my favorite things as well. I know most people may not even get what most of the references I make are, but I ask that you not let that deter you from the story. I mostly just like adding cool characters into the mix, you don't need to understand every, or anything about them, because if it's important to the plot of the story, I'd explain the characters background anyway. I thank all those who helped me get this far into the story, because like I said in the first chapter, this was only an experiment. Like the many dozens of stories that I came up with, I didn't intend on writing this one, and truthfully I came up with it four months before I even started writing it. The only reason I decided to write this is because "The trial" got stuck in my head so hard that I even started reciting it. Finally I jumped up and said why not, so I started writing it. I'm glad I did now.
I started this about mid chapter, so this may seem random, but I have to say this so I ask that anyone reading this pay close attention to this part. I've been getting alot lately about people who don't like my script format for this story. Now let me give you a little depth behind that. First, truthfully as everyone else has a problem with this way of writing, I don't like the story book style. Much like most people don't like this I hate it not being clear who's speaking at what time, I really don't like that. Second, I used to write scripts for my friends who made amatuer comics. It's not like I started with this. It's just how I'm used to writing. Third, I thought about doing it in story book form when I wrote "Run TK Run" [My first posted story.], but then I thought. My name is Norsh. That name is strange anywhere. I hate that name because I was named after the father I hate. But if there was one thing about it, it was different. As such, I've never once in my life tried to be like someone else just so I could fit in. I wrote in this format so that I could set myself apart from everyone else. I'm me, not you and I'll never be anything, but me. I encourage everyone else to do this same.
Now one person asked why I wrote in this format, it's because I like it. Also I wanted to point out something, I really don't like hearing it all the time. I don't mind people's opinions, but it's starting to offend me and I'm hard to offend. The last thing I'm going to point out is that someone told me that the format made the story look choppy and that I should change it. To do that, I would have to write all six previous chapters which were all over 100 kilobytes, 25,000 words. Or start doing it from this chapter on, which would look even choppier. So I'm just going to say to that person, kiss my ass, I'm not changing my trademark. To everyone else who hates this format, but read anyway. I thank you so much for giving me a chance. If only everyone were as open-minded as you all.
Anyway let the chapter begin.
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The day of the Kyuubi festival!
For what seemed like only hours, days had morphed into months that left swiftly like the wind on a summer day. Naruto sat against a tree watching diligently as Hinata trained, repeatedly attacking a large stump before her, letting the sweat drip from her brow, as Naruto smiled. It was early afternoon and Hanabi was once again at the academy. Naruto was cautious about letting her go alone, and even for a while he had attended with her, watching her teachers with pure hatred, the only one he really trusted was Iruka. Yubiki had told him on many occasions that Iruka would never do anything to hurt him or those close to him. With a promise, Iruka swore that nothing would ever happen to her on his watch, which Naruto placed trust in. Over the months he had started to trusted Iruka, he believed in him. Naruto had often joked that he was just trying the "go throough the kid to get to the mother tactic." and Iruka always denied it. Truthfully there was something cool about Iruka that drew him to him. If there was anyone he would trust Hanabi with, it would be him or Naki.
At the moment Naruto just smiled at the hime present. Her resilience shining through every motion she made. Her determination aimed at one goal, the upcoming chuunin exams. Everyone was preparing for it, except him and JJ. JJ had said that since he was a jounin in his village, training to become a chuunin would be demeaning. Naruto had just laughed at him when he said that, but others had truly been working hard to achieve the title, except Shikamaru.
Raizen, jumped at the chance to train with his old teammates and he had at many times been seen hanging out with two shadows that always seemed to vanish whenever people grew closer. Kiba trained with him and Akamaru, mostly to relieve built up frustration, even though he had stopped leaving during training, he still held resentment for Naruto. Shino had all, but rested since he heard about the exams. Mika started training with Claire, who seemed to have taken a liking to the girl, mostly because JJ did. Mika often came back exhausted and completely wiped of all energy. Whenever anybody asked why she would just groan and JJ would laugh at her. Choji, begrudging listened to his sensei's advice and began his own training, with only one reason in mind, to somehow manage to defeat JJ. Both JJ and Naruto were barred from using their powers in the exam unless their opponent possessed a similar power, mostly stated incase JJ and Naruto were paired against one another.
Choji, knowing this, felt he stood a chance against the boy and was willing to take a shot. Through his rivalry with him he never noticed that they really got along for the most part and at many times they'd sit back and talk as friends. Sakura had been seen hanging out with Ino in most of her free time, both somewhat reluctant in restoring the friendship once lost, but willing. Sakura however couldn't find the courage to try the same with Raizen. She even found herself avoiding him, not to his ignorance. He and Sasuke both noticed it, and Sasuke himself had been blind-sided when the young Kitsune came to him speaking of his respect for the boy. Naruto admitted to him that he trusted and respected him. Both boys hung out and even sometimes ate together, but never once did they have long conversations. Sometimes they never, spoke at all. They would see each other in the street and flash an arrogant smile before they broke out into a sparring match wherever they met. At times though they did talk, Sasuke told him about his sister, and breifly, his brother. Naruto thought, the way Sasuke felt about his sister was exactly the way he felt about his himes.
Lee had been training even more intensively than normal, quickly leaving his teammates behind in his efforts and proving to everyone is ninja way. Tenten often tried to keep up with him, but she found that there was no village that had the amount of energy Lee had. Neji silently trained alone, whenever he didn't have Ishi on his arm. She had become very busy herself, she was brought into interrogations and because of the danger she was given a teacher as well. Per Ishi's request, she was given a teacher to teach her ninjutsu, her teacher's name was Anko.
Hanabi had gained her powers and practically walked around with them active all the time. Yubiki had stopped hanging around the house as much and only came back to sleep and occasionally to train Naruto. A smile crept along his face, peace was relaxing, but boring in the long run. He was eager for the chuunin exams to begin. His musing was brought to an end as Hinata fell to the ground in exhaustion. Naruto stood up and walked closer to her.
Naruto: I think you should stop now.
He said with concern in his voice. She had been at it since sunrise, gradually getting better, but still overusing her energy. She breathed heavily and tried to regain her footing, to no avail. Hinata peeked back and blushed, no wanting to look bad in front of Naruto. A warm feeling rushed over her as Naruto gently grabbed her arm and pulled her onto his back before holding her up in piggy- back position, causing the girl to blush even deeper.
Naruto: That's enough okay.
Hinata: Uh-huh.
She said wrapping her arms around Naruto's neck as she snuggled into his neck and closing her eyes. She quickly grew comfortable in his grip and nuzzled deeper before falling into slumber. Naruto walked gently from the field and back into the streets of Konoha. All eyes fell upon the boy, as he seemed to ignore the world around him. Warm smiles graced the faces of the people watching him, yet Naruto failed to notice, only looking on toward the path in front of him.
It wasn’t the first time Naruto been seen giving a blatant display of affection. Not long ago the teacher and the genin had managed to meet in the forest to discuss the exams, but because of his tiring training the previous night Naruto had fallen asleep against a tree. All sitting in the field looked over to the peacefully sleeping boy before returning to their talk. Once his name was said Naruto snapped from his sleep before looking groggily around the feild. No had intentionally called him to disturb his sleep, but his abrupt awakening caused everyone to look at him. Naruto finally stood up and stretched before he stuffed his hand in his pocket and walked across the field while all eyes followed him. Naruto sat next to Hinata and turned sideways before laying his head on her lap. Hinata blushed deeply as he nuzzled down and instantly fell back to sleep. All of the genin and jounin in the field looked at the boy with incredulous faces as Hinata created a new shade of red, her eyes wide open yet completely obvious that she had long since passed out. All that was heard after that was Ino whispering the word “bold” while staring at the couple.
Hanabi wasn’t free from it either. He would often carry her as he walked and walk her home. She never really minded, neither did her sister, but they did mind how he did it. Naruto finally reached the Hyuuga complex and smiled as he opened the door. Hiashi watched him in and smiled at the sight as Naruto laid Hinata in her bed.
Naruto: I have to go Hiashi, make sure she rests.
Hiashi: It’s not really necessary is it? She’ll heal in a few hours anyway.
Naruto: Yeah, but she still shouldn’t over do it, I’m out of here, see ya.
He said in an arrogant voice before walking off. Naruto once again found himself walking down the streets of Konoha, only this time alone. The academy must have been out, because the sight of children playing lied before him. He knew that he wasn’t going to see Hanabi until later. She said that she was going to spend the day with Yu, someone he had spent a lot time with too. Him, Hanabi, Sasuke, and Yu had ate out once as Yu asked every question she had always wondered about him while he and Sasuke had silence between them. He slanted his eyes and looked back to a wall, where a good section of it was sideways and he sighed.
Naruto: You’re doing it wrong.
He said before he began walking away. The section of the wall fell and Konohamaru smiled.
Konohamaru: You’re good boss. Com’n teach me something.
Naruto: No.
Konohamaru: Please?
Naruto: No.
Konohamaru: Please?
Naruto: No.
Unfortunately this too, was something that Naruto had to deal with during his free months. Konohamaru seemed adamant about getting him to train him, and Naruto was starting to get fed up. Their “conversation” continued that way as Naruto walked through the village, eating ramen, relaxing in the park, and even during another impulse sparring match with Sasuke. Finally after both ninjas went their way Konohamaru jumped in front of him and pleaded.
Konohamaru: Please train me!
Naruto: No.
He said as he turned around. Konohamaru dropped to his knees and begged.
Konohamaru: Please, you’re strongest, most powerful and handsome ninja in the village. If you could please dirty your mighty hand train me one mighty one.
Naruto stopped and Konohamaru smiled as he looked up slightly.
Konohamaru: [It worked!]
Naruto looked at him with a confused face and asked.
Naruto: What kind of vain asshole do you take me for?
Before he shook his head and walked away once again. Konohamaru’s eyes went wide with shock and he ran after Naruto grabbing his leg. Naruto lifted his leg and struggled to shake the boy off.
Naruto: Stop it! Why are you being so damn annoying!?
Konohamaru: I haven’t even begun to be annoying.
Konohamaru took a deep breath and shouted.
Konohamaru: Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!!!!!!!
Naruto: Fine!!!!!!
He said finally giving in to the boy’s request. Naruto shook the boy from his leg and folded his arms.
Naruto: Fine. Meet me in the tenth training ground in an hour.
Konohamaru: Yes boss.
He said standing with a salute. Naruto peeked back and sighed before walking off. As instructed, Konohamaru waited in the feild of Naruto's choice, impatiently looking on for signs of Naruto's approach.
Konohamaru: He's not coming, I know it!
Naruto: Know what?
He asked from behind the boy, who nearly jumped from his skin before locking eyes onto Naruto. He quickly sat up and pointed his finger at him.
Konohamaru: What are you doing here!?
Naruto: Are you stupid or something kid?
Konohamaru: Wait, you really came.
Naruto: I said I would, so I did. Now what do you want to learn first?
Konohamaru: I want to learn the sexy jutsu!
He said stepping forward determinedly.
Naruto: Why that?
He asked lifting an eyebrow, causing Konohamaru to do a double-take.
Konohamaru: Why not? It's a strong technique, you used it to defeat Grandpa, and he's the hokage.
Naruto sweatdropped and sighed before he simply lifted a finger to explain.
Naruto: Alright, but there are rules to using it. First is that it's not an illusion, so if the thought of losing what makes you a man for a while scares you, don't do it.
Konohamaru looked at him with a moment's pause and thought hard before finally nodding.
Naruto: Second, change your entire personality while in the form. It makes it more believable.
Konohamaru: Uh-huh.
Naruto: Third...well I'll show you after you learn it. Now try this.
He said going through different seals before finally changing his entire body into the form of a beautiful woman, only this time still clothed. Konohamaru watched and tried to mimic the seals, but failed each time. Naruto sighed and placed her hands on her hips.
Naruto: You really suck at this kid.
Konohamaru: I do not, I'm just not good yet.
He said still struggling through the seals into finally he got it right. He formed the seal and transformed, only not as well as Naruto. He was still his same height, except now he looked like a female blob monster. Naruto looked away and chuckled before she looked back at the sight and erupted in laughter.
Naruto: What is that!?
She asked falling to her knees.
Naruto: That was pathetic!
Konohamaru frowned and dropped the jutsu.
Konohamaru: It's not like you got it on your first try.
Naruto: Yeah, but I did better than that.
She said standing with her hands on her hips.
Naruto: Now, if you're done making me laugh, we can continue.
Konohamaru: Can't you teach me some other way, like a hint or something.
Naruto: Mom would've slapped me for asking something like that.
She said mostly to herself before turning back to the boy with a grimace.
Naruto: Fine. First I want you to picture the most beautiful woman you can think of.
With eyes now aimed to the sky, Konohamaru did his best to picture what Naruto asked. Once he finally had someone in mind he nodded and Naruto finished by saying.
Naruto: Now picture her naked.
Konohamaru's eyes went wide as an almost unholy sight wrapped his innocent mind with it's wrongness. He fell to the ground and grabbed his head trying to make the thought fly from his mind.
Naruto: What did you picture?
She asked in curiousity.
Konohamaru: I pictured my mom.
He replied with tears flowing down his face. Naruto stared blankly him as a thought ran through her mind.
Naruto: [Your mom is the most beautiful woman you could think of?]
Breaking from her musing she looked at the boy and asked.
Naruto: What's so wrong with that?
She asked completely curious.
Konohamaru: No kid wants to see that! How would you feel if you saw YOUR mom naked.
Naruto: I have.
Konohamaru blankly stared at the girl for a second before she continued.
Naruto: I was locked in a tomb for most of my life. How do you think I learned this technique? Mom modeled for me.
Konohamaru stood still for a moment and then finally found a reply.
Konohamaru: But, she's not your real mom.
Naruto: True. What you need is practice. We need to find something to show you.
She said holding her chin in her hand before snapping her fingers.
Naruto: I know.
Konohamaru: What?
Naruto: We visit the hot springs.
She said with a devious smile.
[Flash]
Soon the two were walking down the roads of Konoha, Naruto catching more than a few stares from the men of the village, completely grateful that her form was still a new sight in the village.
Konohamaru: Couldn't you just change back?
Naruto: And risk being seen? That would be completely stupid.
She said never once missing a step. Once they finally reached their destination Konohamaru once again took on the guise of a "female". It was slightly better than the last time, but it still needed work, but then again, that's what they were there for. Once both were ready they stepped into the bath house and disrobed, before walking into the springs where many other women were waiting. Some heads turned to them and Konohamaru started to panic.
Konohamaru: [They can tell, we're doomed.]
Misa: Are you new around here?
Naruto: Yes we are. My name is Nira, We just met, but she says her name is Kana. Right, Kana?
Konohamaru: Y-Yes.
Said the newly chrisened Kana. Konohamaru slowly walked into the water at the side of Naruto, who seemed to be completely comfortable in the situation. Konohamaru found herself admiring her new teacher, he seemed unshakable, as if he could adjust to any situation. After her focus fell on the woman in the springs he started to wish she had the same quality to adapt as her teacher. He turned cherry red while looking at the vuluptuous women in the bath. Their massive mounds and shapely curves, leading down to luscious thighs that seemed to continue forever. The sight almost pushed the boy into early puberty.
Yuri: Want me to wash your back Nira?
Naruto: Alright, I'll wash yours next.
Konohamaru caught the sight in his mind and instantly his nose bled an he passed out before dropping his jutsu.
Unyi: It's a boy!
Yuri: Is that Konohamaru-sama?
Naruto peeked over slightly at the boy and shook her head.
Naruto: [Sorry, but I don't know you, kid.]
She thought to herself before shreiking. Konohamaru was quickly kicked out of the hotsprings.
[Flash]
Konohamaru sat impatiently waiting for his sensei to exit the hotsprings, until he finally heard her voice laughing along with the other women. Konohamaru, wisely waited for the women to walked away and say their goodbyes to the girl before he approached her.
Konohamaru: How could you leave me out here!?
He shouted pointing a discriminating finger to her.
Naruto: Nobody told you to faint, you idiot.
She said slightly fluffing her bathrobes. She looked around and smiled.
Naruto: So did you see enough?
Konohamaru: Yeah.
He said with a devilish smile. After finding a good spot to return to his normal form, Naruto and Konohamaru once again left to the training grounds they had previously met at, but not before Naruto noticed that they were being followed. Naruto watched as Konohamaru struggled to get even the slightest detail right, and smiled as he finally perfected it by changing into a beautiful brunette that was rivaled only by Naruto's own sexy jutsu form.
Naruto: Are you satisfied now?
Konohamaru: Yeah, because now I can do it.
Naruto: And "it" is?
Konohamaru: I can beat Grandpa now. Now I can become hokage.
Naruto: Why do you want to be hokage?
Konohamaru: Because people never treat me like an actual person. They always call me Konohamaru-sama, only because I'm the hookage's grandson. I'm never treated like me. I'm not just the hokage's grandson, I'm Konohamaru. When I use this jutsu to beat grandpa, I'll be respected as me, not as the hokage's grandson anymore.
Naruto: Is that so? Okay, now I want you to try the sexy jutsu on me.
Konohamaru: Ha, prepare to lose!
Konohamaru placed together a handsign and called out his desired technique. Once he took the form of a beautiful woman, Naruto was holding his left shoulder with a sword placed at his throat.
Konohamaru: What?
Naruto: This is the last rule of the sexy jutsu. Never try to use it in combbat with a serious enemy. It may work on someone like Sarutobi, but if you were facing someone as serious as Orochimaru or Me, it would never work and you'd quite possibly get yourself killed.
He said with cold eyes as the boy changed back.
Konohamaru: Then why did you learn it?
Naruto: It's technique used to win battles without fighting, the most important part of knowing a technique is knowing how and when to use it. With only this jutsu you couldn't become the hokage of a cottonfield.
Konohamaru looked down and frowned.
Naruto: But, that's why I'm here.
Konohamaru looked back up to Naruto as he continued.
Naruto: As I promised, from now on, I am your teacher. I'm still learning myself, but I'll teach you what I can. One day you'll achieve that goal and become a hokage only second to me.
He said placing his hand atop the boy's head with a blank expression. In the trees a single man watched on, looking as his student smiled at his second teacher.
Ebisu: It looks like you're growing Konohamaru.
He said pushing his glasses up on his face before walking off.
Naruto: That's all for today. Go home and rest.
Konohamaru: Yes boss!
He said running off with a smile on his face. Naruto sighed and walked back into the village.
Naruto: Well, at least I won't be bored.
He said as he walked to his apartment, wondering why he hadn't seen his teammates. He quickly dispeled the thought and opened the door to his house. Two pairs of eyes looked at him and he smiled wide.
Hinata: Welcome home Naruto-kun.
Hanabi: How was your day?
Naruto: Tiring.
He said doing a complete 180 from his earlier attitude. The looks his himes gave him could instantly bring out his good side. His nose caught the pleasant aroma of home cooked food. He had come home like this often, most of the time it seemed as if the two girls lived with him. They were there most of the day, but occasionally they stopped back home for training and picking up clothes. Even still Hiashi had joked many times that his daughters had moved out of the complex. Naruto never minded, it meant that his precious ones were always where he could find them. Naruto walked up to them and smiled befoore sitting down on the couch in his living room.
Hanabi: Tiring how?
She asked sitting next to him as Hinata brought him a plate of the food she and Hanabi lovingly prepared for him.
Naruto: Long story. How did your day go?
Hanabi: I trained with Yu, nothing new, but Oneechan's day was interesting.
She said with a devilish smile. Naruto turned a curious expression to the now blushing girl.
Naruto: Why is that?
Hinata quickly turned around, she couldn't tell him that everyone, including Ino, wouldn't stop talking about how he carried her piggyback through the entire village while she slept on his back.
Hinata: N-Nothing.
Naruto: Huh?
Hanabi: You see-
Hinata: Shut up Hanabi!
Naruto smiled as the two girls started to argue and looked up to the ceiling. He wanted these times to last as long as possible.
Naruto: Maybe peace isn't so bad after all.
He said to himself, slightly loud enough for the girls to hear. They both stopped arguing and looked over to him as he began to eat. The night never felt so beautiful, mostly because the girls wanted tomorrow to come soon. It was going to be Naruto's first birthday free, and they wanted to make sure he never forgot.
[Flash]
????: Oniichan! Come play with me.
????: Not now Seria.
Seria: You always say that Oniichan.
????: Dad needs me for something. I'll play when I get back okay.
Seria: Promise?
????: Promise.
The young boy said as he walked off. The house he lived in was far from any villages, simply to escape the rush of life and power struggles that infested them. Secluded in the forest, their house hidden by the trees. The boy walked through the trees and finally came upon his father, standing strongly in the brush, illuminated by the sunlight reflecting from the many leaves above him.
????: It's about time you arrived, Raizen.
Raizen: I'm sorry, I needed time to prepare.
????: A good ninja is always prepared. Being on time can mean the difference between life and death.
Raizen: Yes, Father.
????: Catch.
He said throwing a long windmill shuriken to him. The boy stumbled to catch it and held it firmly at his chest.
????: That's yours now.
Raizen: But, Dad this is yours.
????: Raizen. Your mother's clan and mine. They hated one another.
Raizen lifted an eyebrow at the randomness of that statement.
????: When we met, we were just kids. She got hurt in the forest, and I saved her. It was love at first sight. When our parents found us, they ripped us apart. I was told never to deal with the enemy, but I knew that my heart belonged to her. The next time we saw each other, it was on a battlefield. Two people, caught on the opposite side of a war. It was as if we recognized each other instantly, because we couldn't even bring ourselves to attack one another. I was destined to be the leader of my clan, and her brother was born to be the leader of theirs. We were meant to lead our clans against one another.
He looked deep into his sons eyes.
????: But, we chose each other over our duties to our clans. Once the battle was over, we began to see each other in secret, but one day we were found out. Through the shouts and protests of our clans, we ran away together. Escaping both our bonds and duties, we eloped. Raizen, you and your sister are the proof that following your heart is always the best way to live life. Strength, Honor, fame, pride, it all means nothing if you have doubts in your heart. Follow that which you believe is right. As a testament to the sacrifice we made! With that shuriken become stronger than even me!
Raizen looked up at his father and bowed down to him.
Raizen: [Heh, looking back on that day now, that sounded like a goodbye, as if he knew what would happen next.]
[Flash]
Raizen walked with Seria holding tightly onto his left arm, cuddling up to his shoulder. Raizen sweatdropped and looked at her through the corner of his eye as travelers wandered by.
Raizen: Stop that, people think you're my girlfriend.
Seria: That doesn't sound bad to me.
Raizen: I'm not even going to mention all the things that was wrong with that sentence.
Raizen looked around once again and caught a glimpse of a man and a woman walking from the direction he figured was Konoha. The man had lines right beneath his eyes and his long black hair was pulled into a ponytail. Raizen had seen the man somewhere, but he could place it. The woman had slightly spiky blond hair and her eyes seemed to be fixated on the man in front of her, until her eyes caught sight of the two children. She smiled warmly and mouthed words that Raizen couldn't make out. Raizen stopped walking as the couple walked passed him and he quickly peered back. Much to his surprise, the two were nowhere to be found.
Seria: What's wrong Oniichan?
Raizen: ...Nothing.
He said turning himself and his sister back toward the house.
Seria: Look Oniichan!
She said running toward a patch of flowers in the road.
Seria: Aren't these flower beautiful?
Raizen: Yeah.
He replied not really paying any attention to her. He walked to the door and reached for the knob when he heard voices from inside.
????: Yuri, we need to do this.
Yuri: Mirono, the children don't need to be a part of this!
Mirono: I'm not involving them. Your clan sought us out and asked us to participate in the rebellion. If we help, then you can finally see your family again.
Yuri: That doesn't mean that things will change!
Mirono: We can change it. I just want you to be happy, the children will finally be able to live in a village, meet other children. All I want us for us to have a better life.
Raizen looked down and remembered the talk his father had given him and then he turned the doorknob, startling both of his parents. Seria looked up at him and quickly ran behind him.
Seria: Mama, Papa, what's wrong?
Mirono: Nothing. It's getting late, go to bed okay.
Raizen: Yeah.
He said leading his sister to her room.
Raizen: [If I had known what would happen next, I would've said goodbye to them. I would've hugged them and told them how much I cared. But I didn't....I regret that now.]
[Flash]
Raizen jumped from his bed and rolled to the ground as a loud noise came from the inner room of the house. Seria ran behind him and grabbed his shoulder as he lifted the Aname windmill onto his back. He threw open the door and caught the sight of his father locked in battle with a cloaked figure. Mirono tried desperately to dodge the attacks of the assailant, but his strikes were like flashes, quickly ripping through flesh before he could even catch wind of it coming at him. Yuri ran toward the man, but eyes looked onto her through the man's masked face. The glare paralyzed her in place and a hand quickly struck her in the face. The blow sent her flying into back wall and she collapsed to the ground.
Mirono, ran at the ninja and finally succeeded in dodging one of his attacks, but suddenly he found something cutting through the wind above him. He looked up and saw a clone of the man dropping from the ceiling with his kunai extended. Sparks flew from Mirono's arm and he threw his fist into the chest of the clone, sending electricity through it's entire body before it vanished. Mirono could feel a smile coming at him from behind the mask. Mirono's body charged with electricity coursing through every vein in his body.
Mirono: Sorry Yuri, but I'm gonna have to mess up the house alittle.
He said as he began doing handsigns. His eyes surged as if lightning were charging through it and he smiled.
Mirono: Aname style: Lightning god's wrath!
He shouted as he pumped his fist at the masked man. An extremely large ball of elecricity flew from his fist and blasted the ninja through the wall and against a tree waiting outside. Mirono jumped from the hole and punched sixteen more times at a lightning fast speed, all causing a ball of electricty to flew into the man. Before landing to the ground he placed both of his feet together and he pumped his feet at the man, sending the largest ball yet to emerge and blast the ninja through the tree he rested on and many others. Mirono landed on the ground with a smile, thinking he had dispatched the ninja that threatened him, but suddenly a tight grip latched onto his neck and with a short thrust, he was launched back into the house. Before the man could rise to his feet, he found something impaling him, sealing him to the ground. He looked over to his children and order them in a strong voice to run, only before the blade was pulled from his chest and quickly sent across his throat in one quick swipe.
Raizen stared in non-belief at his father as his body went limb. A scream came from the other side of the room and Yuri shot to her feet before charging at the ninja, who looked as if she posed no threat to her. He reached down and drew three kunai before he launched them at her. Yuri fluidly dodged, but the ninja's smile showed her that she should'nt have. In what felt like a second she quickly looked back as Raizen shielded his little sister from the approaching kunai. He closed his eyes and waited for the impact that never came. He looked back and saw that his mother, in a moment driven by pure adrenaline, had shielded them with her body. Raizen many times thought back to that extact moment, the act of protecting someone you care about, an act he repeated. His mother spoke to him one last time.
Yuri: Run Raizen, protect your sister.
Raizen lifted his sister and ran, despite his gut and Seria's protests. Yuri smiled on and held herself still.
Yuri: I never thought they'd send you. As the bearer of sins, deliver the final blow. I guess we'll meet in hell, my nephew.
She said as the blade descended down upon her. Rain had started to fall from above the two frightened children. Raizen ran as far as he could, but suddenly someone appeared in his path, someone different. This time it was a woman ninja, wearing the same kind of mask as the ninja before her. Raizen pushed Seria behind him and pulled his shuriken from his back. He opened it and stared at the woman's emotionless eyes.
????: Are you going to fight me?
Raizen: If I have to!
He shouted holding an arm behind for his sister to stay close. He threw the shuriken at the woman, who dodged with a single side-step.
Raizen: Instanteanous transport jutsu!
The woman peeked back as the siblings were suddenly behind her. Raizen started to run as the woman looked at them without even attempting to give chase. The reason was because her companion had already blocked their path. As Raizen finally stopped running the man stared down at him. Blink eyes looked down at him and his sister held tightly onto his shoulder once again.
????: This is where it ends.
Raizen: Like hell it is!
He said charging after the man, eyes quickly replaying the moment his parents died, the last words his mother spoke to him. His shuriken was quickly knocked from his hand and the sword that killed his parents was placed at his throat.
????: Pathetic.
The ninja pulled his sword to the side and kicked the boy into a tree next to his sister. Seria ran to Raizen and looked over to the ninja with eyes dripping hate. Raizen struggled to stand up to face the ninja approaching them, but quickly fell back down. Seria stand up and run for Raizen's weapon, but before she could reach it the ninja grabbed her. She struggled to get free, then she jumped up and locked her teeth onto the man's forearm. He stared at her once again with his blank stare and swung his arm with tremendous force. Seria went flying from his arm and landed on the back of her neck. She rolled to a stop with her eyes locked on her brother, eyes that made Raizen's tear up. Seria's eyes were blank and lifeless. The ninja's eyes wavered slightly when he noticed, but it quickly disappeared. He turned back to the boy and watched as he struggled to reach his sister. The assassin never tried to stop him, he simply watched. Raizen placed his hand on Seria's cheek and called out her name, but no response. His voice was drowned out by the rain. He slowly lowered Seria's head and stood up to face the two behind him.
????: Have you given up?
He asked to the slouching boy, face covered by went hair and eyes shaded by the darkness. The boy's face shot up, with eyes burning blood red. His sharingan blazing, he stared at the two as it slowly started to morph into something different. Black lightning bolts encircled he pupil and electricity surged through them.
Raizen: Lightning god sharingan!
He threw his hand to the side and a surge of electricity called his shuriken back to his palm. Words were beyond him, in his rage he charged at the man with speed unrivaled and slashed at the male ninja. His slash was stopped by a single kunai. Raizen pulled back and repeated slashed at the man as he lazily blocked each strike. Raizen screamed and eletricity surged from his body and through his shuriken. Using it as a lightning rod he set the surge through the ninja's kunai and into his body. Raizen noticed the ninja wince and make a false step and he tried to captilize on it, but the ninja simply switched tactics and started dodging. He slid back before his companion grew tired of watching sent a kick into the boy's face. The male ninja rushed at the boy and grabbed his collar, before placing his hands over his eyes. The boy struggled to get free and when the ninja removed his hand, he had somehow deactivated the boy's sharingan. Raizen reached for the man's face and pulled his mask off. The man was the same one he had seen earlier in the day, but that wasn't only thing he noticed. He had seen this man before in pictures his mother had shown him, from when he was younger. In dis-belief he called his name.
Raizen: Itachi Uchiha.
Itachi: So you know me, Raizen Uchiha.
????: Shall I kill him Itachi-sama?
Itachi: No, Isane. I'll deal with him myself.
Raizen placed both of his feet on Itachi's chest and pushed himself from his grip. When he hit the ground Itachi kicked him to the ground and ripped his sword from it's sheath. He walked closer to the boy and slashed downward across his face, right between the eyes. Raizen's face was forced in the opposite direction, and he spun to the ground. As he lifted himself Itachi slashed once again along his chest. Raizen fell down to his back and tried to crawl away, but suddenly he felt the blade slash across his back. Raizen turned and buried his back into the dirt, trying his best to stifle the pain in his back, shoaked to the bone from rain falling down on him. Itachi reached down and grabbed tthe boy's collar before draggin him to his face. His eyes flashed red and Raizen was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness. Fading colors and deep red were everywhere.
Seria: Oniichan!
Raizen turned as his sister threw herself onto his chest.
Raizen: You're alright.
Seria: No, Oniichan. I wanted to thank you.
Seria pulled back slightly and kissed Raizen before whispering.
Seria: Goodbye.
Before her body exploded in a hail of cinders. Raizen's eyes wavered and he stared at his sister's ash sway in the wind of the dark world.
Mirono: Son, you've grown strong. I'm sorry that I will be unable to see you grow.
Raizen turned to the voice, but was welcomed by his father's decaying body. Strips of skin and flesh falling from his body.
Mirono: I'm proud of you.
He said as his entire body melted into a puddle of red meat and bone. Raizen felt soft arms wrap around his neck from behind and his mother's voice came from in front of him.
Yuri: My brave little boy.
She said with a voice that came from below Raizen. Hesiatantly, he looked down, eyes caught the sight of his mother's face, cradled in her own hands. He looked back up and saw her headless body draped over him. In fear he screamed and she pulled her head to her chest as she asked.
Yuri: What's wrong my little one? Come to me, my son.
Raizen shook his head and ran, never looking back once. Suddenly he tripped and his mother stood in front of him once again. She reached into the neck of her head and continually digging until she somehow managed to pull her brain free of her skull. She dropped her skull and handed it to her son befoore her body fell limb to the ground. Raizen tried to close his eyes, but suddenly he once again heard his sister's voice. When he turned she repeated the exact same words as before, and once again she burned into cinders before the boy's eyes. Over, and over the events repeated themselves.
Raizen: Stop it!!!!!!!!!!!
He screamed to the top of his lungs. All of his family members gathered together and smiled.
Mirono: Fine, then let us end your misery Raizen.
With sharp fangs beared they descended onto the boy, viciously ripping his body apart. For 72 hours, he endured the pain of the mangekyou sharingan, before his eyes lost all life and his body went limp. Itachi dropped the boy to the ground and turned away.
Raizen: I swear.
Itachi and Isane turned back to the boy and stared at him as his lifeless eyes leaked onto the ground.
Raizen: I swear I'll kill you. I swear it on my life, I will kill you.
He said slightly before passing out.
Isane: He withstood it?
Itachi: Hm...
Itachi walked over to the boy and grabbed his collar.
[Flash]
The guards of Konoha patroled, looking dilegently for signs of Itachi Uchiha, the lone murderer of his own clan. One of the guards noticed something lying in front of the gates.
Seriga: Hey, there's a kid over here. Someone get the medic nins quick. It looks like he won't last very long.
The ninjas who heard her cries quickly alerted the medical ninja and Raizen was quickly rushed to hospital. All the while the sounds of the man's voice called out to him.
Itachi: [If that is truly your wish, then grow strong. Hate me and let that hate consume you, little cousin.]
Raizen shot up from his bed covered in sweat. He looked down to his shaking hands.
Raizen: Let hatred consume me.
He said to himself.
Raizen: It's been four years since that day, and I still have nightmares about it.
He looked down at his chest and dragged his hand across his scar.
Raizen: A constant reminder of my failure. My weakness. Upon these scars I lay my blame, my hatred. The symbol of the Raizen who could do nothing. I will never let hatred consume me, but someday I swear that my rage shall consume you.
He said speaking mostly to himself once again. He sat up from his bed and got dressed before walking out of his front door to find two visiters waiting on him. Sasuke looked up as his teammate finally emerged from his house. He looked down to Yukari silently waiting at her brother's side.
Raizen: Hey, what's up?
Sasuke: Kakashi-sensei wanted us.
Yu: Yeah.
Raizen: You don't come here often, what's wrong?
Yu: I wanted to see you. I had a dream about you for some strange reason. There's something weird about you.
She said looking him over. Raizen sweat-dropped and walked toward Sasuke before saying.
Raizen: Well let's go.
With that said he ran off. Sasuke pushed himself from the wall, slowly following behind Raizen. Yu reached out and pulled her hand back with a grimace.
Yu: He's avoiding me.
She said with a sigh before walking off. Raizen slowed down when he noticed that Sasuke wasn't even trying to keep up.
Raizen: What did he want anyway?
Sasuke: Don't know.
Raizen walked alongside Sasuke and mimicked his stance, stuffing his hands in his pockets and slouching forward slightly. Sasuke looked over to him with an annoyed look.
Sasuke: What are you trying to do.
Raizen: Be emo.
Sasuke: What the hell is an emo?
Raizen: You don't wanna know.
Raizen lifted his head once he and Sasuke reached the training grounds. Sakura looked over and waved at the boys as they entered. Raizen lifted a hand and Sasuke only walked forward.
Sasuke: How long have you been waiting?
Sakura: About twenty minutes.
Raizen: So we only have one more hour until he shows up. Great.
He said, voice dripping of sarcasm. Sakura looked over to Raizen and looked down, the moment caused Raizen to look away as well. He didn't knw why but it felt ackward. Sasuke noticed the moment, but quickly shrugged it off. The quiet would probably be a good thing. Sakura was avoiding Raizen, and he could tell. He just figured that she was mad at him for some reason. They sat there for one hour and a half waiting for Kakashi to arrive. All stood quiet, growing patience for their teacher's tardiness over the months he had been their sensei. A swirl of leaves fell from the tree as Kakashi finally arrived.
Kakashi: Been waiting long?
Raizen: Yeah. So what's up.
Sasuke looked up at his teacher and Sakura stood next to him and Raizen.
Kakashi: Well, I just wanted to tell you that... you guys have the day off because of the festival. Enjoy it.
He said before disappearing, leaving the three standing with their mouths agape.
Raizen: Two hours just to tell us that he didn't need us! TWO HOURS!!!!!!!
Sakura: I can't believe this!
Raizen: I'm starting to think that he just likes messing with us.
Sasuke: He's a jounin I'm sure he better things to do than mess with us.
He said while walking away.
[Flash]
Kakashi walked through the streets of Konoha with his face buried in his book, thinking to himself.
Kakashi: [Man, I love messing with those kids.]
Kakashi's eye shot up to the sight of green and he sighed.
Gai: I've finally found you Kakashi!
Kakashi: What is it Gai?
Gai: I challenge you to a duel on the night of the Kyuubi festival.
Kakashi: Oh, really. I would'nt have guessed.
He said in a normal tone, even though he was being sarcastic. Gai caught this and frowned.
Kakashi: Has any of you even thought about why we're having this festival? The Kyuubi is free now, and everyone knows it. Why are we still celebrating it?
He said mostly to himself, still lost in the sea of words and pictures his book presented. Gai reached out and wrapped his arm around his rival's shoulder.
Gai: I don't think I need to answer that for you Kakashi. Look at the people.
Kakashi moved his eyes from his book and gazed at the smiling children and adults preparing for the festivites.
Gai: In those faces lie the answer to that question Kakashi. Remember to meet me later, or duel is still on.
He said leaving Kakashi to ponder the answer for himself. Kakashi dropped his head and sighed.
Kakashi: I must be losing it if Gai of all people is giving me advice.
Kakashi shook his head and looked around for himself. Naruto woke up relatively happy. He looked at Hinata and then Hanabi. He leaned down and kissed both on the forehead and they cuddled deeper into the cover. Naruto hopped from the bed and strecthed, today he was thirteen. He looked up the ceiling as Yubiki stepped from his seal and rubbed his head before walking from the house.
Naruto heard stirring behind him and turned to see the girls slowly raising from their sleep. They never really spelt long after Naruto got up, it was like an alarm clock to them. All he had to do was move and the absence of his presence would rouse them from their sleep. Both sat up and rubbed their eyes the exact same way, which caused Naruto to laugh at them.
Hanabi: What's so funny?
She asked grogily.
Naruto: Nothing.
Hinata: Naruto-kun, why does Yubiki-san still sleep in your seal.
Naruto lifted an eyebrow and shrugged before answering.
Naruto: When I released her she gained the ability to shift the area to her will. Trust me her room looks like a palace. Once I went there and she was sun-bathing on a "beach" as she called it.
Both girls looked at him curiously as they rose from the bed. Naruto smiled and opened the door. He looked over to see Mika streching on the balcony.
Naruto: Where the hell were you?
Mika: Oh, morning Naruto. Me and Norugi-kun were asked to help decorate for the festival. Happy birthday.
Naruto: Oh yeah, thanks.
Naruto said a non-interested tone. Mika just chalked it off, and continued.
Mika: Norugi-kun didn't even tell us when his birthday was until it had already passed.
Naruto: Speaking of which how did you know it was my birthday?
Mika: Hinata-chan told me.
Naruto peeked an eye back to Hinata who only looked away as if she hadn't heard them. Naruto turned back and asked.
Naruto: Where is JJ?
Mika: He's probably putting the finishing touches on it now. He didn't go home. He's such a night owl.
Naruto: I wonder if mom knows about the festival.
Hinata: Do you want to go Naruto-kun?
Naruto: I don't have any robes to wear. I guess I'm staying.
He said hoping she would drop the subject.
Hanabi: Dad has plenty of robes you could wear. We'll just ask him
Strike 1.
Naruto: No one would want me there anyway.
Hinata: People don't mind you that much. I'm sure they'll welcome you.
Striiiike 2.
Naruto: Mom wouldn't want to go.
Yubiki: Hey Naruto. They're setting up for a festival. I'm planning on going, wanna come?
Striiiiiiike 3, you're out!
Naruto hung his head as a sign appeared over his head that read "defeat".
[Flash]
Neji walked the streets, silently eager while awaiting Ishi's arrival.
Ishi: Neji-kun?
Neji: Ishi-hime.
He said turning to her.
Ishi: I told you not to call me that here.
Neji: I apologize Ishi-sama.
Ishi frowned at him.
Ishi: Can't you just call me Ishi.
Neji: How is training going?
Ishi: "Sigh" Fine.
She said with an annoyed tone of voice.
Ishi: I did learn something new.
Neji: That is?
Ishi smiled and closed her eyes. She focused on the cart in front of her and it started to levitate in the air. When she opened her eyes and moved her hand the cart followed.
Neji: Incredible.
He said to her, his words caused her to drop it.
Neji: What's wrong?
Ishi: I have to focus hard in order to do it. It's not as easy as using pyrokinesis.
Neji: I'm sure you'll be able to master it soon Ishi-sama.
Ishi: What, is it my fate to do so?
She said with a chuckle. Neji frowned and replied.
Neji: No, because you can do it. I have faith in you.
Ishi: Yeah, but you still can't drop the suffix at the end of my name.
Neji sat silently for a moment and whispered.
Neji: Ishi.
Ishi snapped up in non-belief and turned to him.
Ishi: What was that?
Neji: Nothing. Shall we get going?
Ishi: Alright.
She said reaching out and grabbing his hand. Neji held tighter as he walked through the streets beaming with life. Every year before the festival people gathered and celebrated happily with their families and for years he had been forced to accompany Hinata and Hanabi during the events. This was the first year that he had come of his own accord. He looked up to the sun and waited for it descend, the festival would finally begin after nightfall. He spotted his sensei and teammate walked down the road speaking passionately about something as they walked, he simply turned away and focused on his path.
Gai: Lee, tonight is the day that I defeat Kakashi.
Lee: Yes Gai-sensei. You'll definitely win.
Gai: I'm going to need some of your energy Lee. Today I face my most powerful rival.
Both cheered on gaining glances from passerbys and weird stares from children.
Lee: What will I do Gai-sensei.
Gai lifted his arm and slammed his hand down on the boy's shoulder.
Gai: I want you to enjoy the festival, don't concern yourself with your sensei's quarrels.
Lee: But Gai-sensei.
Gai: No buts. Have fun Lee, this is the prime of your youth. You shouldn't spend it with me. Maybe you look hard enough, you can find a flower of youth like Neji over there.
He said pointing to Neji and Ishi as they walked passed. Neji sweatdropped and Ishi turned over to look at them.
Neji: [I was so close to getting away.]
Ishi: Hi Gai-sensei, Lee-san!
Lee: Hello Ishi.
Gai: Keep Neji in check now, youthful Ishi-sama.
Ishi: Okay!
She said pumping her fist. People started to look even more now. Neji cursed his luck that Gai had taken a liking to the girl, and she would even participate in the youthful training. She had always said that it was easier than training under Anko, which made him wonder how hard her training really was. He grabbed the girl's hand and walked away from the others before they could say anymore. Gai smiled and turned to Lee. He noticed something in his eyes and he smiled.
Gai: What is it?
Lee: I'm happy for Neji, he seems so much happier now.
Gai: Yeah, he does.
Gai looked to the side and saw someone looking as if they were waiting for him to walk away. Gai smiled and said to Lee.
Gai: Well, it's time for me to prepare. You have fun now.
Gai walked off and Lee looked back at him before turning back to the constantly rising decorations.
????: What are you doing?
Lee: Oh, Tenten.
Tenten: You going to the festival with anyone?
Lee: No. I wish I could find someone. I think Sakura-san is busy.
Tenten: Uh, Lee.
Lee: Then again, she'd propably turn me down again.
Tenten: Lee!!
She shouted making him break from his inner thoughts. Lee turned to her and she blushed.
Tenten: I'm not doing anything.
Lee: Really? I was sure that you would've found someone by now.
Tenten: Yeah, well you know.
Lee: Would you like to go with me.
Tenten: Why not.
She said shrugging her shoulders, trying to hide her happiness. Lee smiled and grabbed her hand.
Lee: Come Tenten, let us prepare for the festival.
Tenten: Okay.
She said as he led her off, squeezing tightly onto his hand as they left.
[Flash]
Shikamaru sat back in the grass, lazily gazing at the clouds above. He turned back as his friend's unmistakable footsteps trailed behind him.
Choji: Com'n Shikamaru, you're gotta come this year.
Shikamaru: Festivals are troublesome.
Choji: You say that every year. I mean com'n, can't you at least go once?
Shikamaru: No.
Choji: Why?
Shikamaru: I just told you.
Choji: So you're just going to spend all day at home?
Shikamaru: No, Mom kicked me out the house for the day. So I'm gonna be right here for the rest oof the day.
Choji: That's all the more reason you should come.
Shikamaru: Why do you want me to go so bad?
Choji: Because this year is different.
Shikamaru looked at him for a second and gazed back the sky before closing his eyes with a smile.
Shikamaru: You're right. Okay, I'll go.
He said sitting up.
Shikamaru: But, first we need a way to get back in my house so I can get a robe.
Choji: That should be easy. All we have to do is go back to your house.
Shikamaru: Well, the thing about that is-
[Flash]
Choji looked in amazment at the ten different locks placed on the door, full with chains and a sign that read, "break this door and I'll kill you!".
Choji: What the hell!
Shikamaru: When my mom says she wants me out, she wants me out.
He said shrugging his shoulders. Choji slumped his and said.
Choji: This may take a while.
He said with a sigh. Ino walked down the streets accompanied by Sakura, who both laughed together like they had in days long past. Sakura looked over to the side and saw Raizen walking up the other side of the street. Sakura looked away from him and he did the same, matching the image he saw before him. Both crossed each other without a word. Raizen looked back once he passed her and looked back at his path.
Ino: What was that about? You two have a fight?
Sakura: No, but I think he's mad at me.
Ino: What happened?
Sakura: I overheard something. I-well, he was talking to Kiba in the hospital, you know before the attack on Orochimaru, and I heard that.
Ino: Heard what?
Sakura: Raizen likes me, I mean he's in love with me.
Ino instantly let the tension out of her shoulders and looked at Sakura as if she was stupid.
Ino: It took all that for you to notice, I mean, god the guy jumped in front of a shuriken that paralzed him because he wanted to protect you. I knew that when we were eight. You're late Sakura.
Sakura: Shut up! I didn't know okay.
Ino: Man, is that big forehead of yours just filled with air or something? It was kind of obvious to anyone who could've seen it. I bet even Sasuke knows.
Sakura: I hope not. [A/N: He does.]
Ino: So you he's mad at you because you ease-dropped on him?
Sakura: No. I don't think he knows. It's probably because I've been avoiding him.
Ino: Why?
Sakura: Because things are suddenly ackward.
Ino: Because he loves you?
She said crossing her arms over her chest.
Sakura: No. It's because....I think I like him back.
Ino slid back in non-belief and stared wide-eyed at the girl who threw her incredulious look.
Sakura: How'd you slide back that far in one thrust?
Ino: That doesn't matter right now. Does that mean you don't like Sasuke anymore?
She said with a snake-like smile.
Sakura: No.
Ino: You've been saying that alot.
Sakura: I've been avoiding him because I'm confused. Looking at Sasuke still gives me that fast heartbeat, but now so does Raizen.
Ino: Your mission must be interesting. Sasuke-kun, Raizen-kun, Sasuke-kun, Raizen-kun. Hahahahaha!
Sakura: I'm glad you're having fun tormenting me.
Ino: Say you don't deserve it.
She said breaking from her laughter. She shrugged at Sakura and said.
Ino: You're on the same team, you'll have to talk eventually.
Sakura: I guess. Move.
Ino: Wha?
She said in confusion at the last part, before Sakura grabbed her arm and pulled her the side just as JJ came crashing into the ground. Both girls leaned in to check him and he shot up from the ground.
JJ: I can't put up all these damned decorations!
He said throwing down the decor in his hands. He then proceeded to stomp them on the ground before taking notice of the girls at his side. JJ lifted a hand to them and smiled
JJ: Hey.
Sakura: What was that about?
JJ: I volunteered to do the decorations through the night, so I guess people assumed that I don't get tired or something. Which is bullshit!!!!
He said screaming the village.
Ino: Are you okay?
JJ: Yeah I'm just sleepy. Whenever I'm sleepy, let's just say that my mouth and body stop being censored. By the way Ino-chan, nice rack.
Ino: Hey.
She said covering herself and blushing with a slight smile.
JJ: Sleepy.
He said quickly as if giving blame to something else. He looked around and thought. He turned to the girls with an evil smile. He grabbed Ino's hands and asked her sweetly.
JJ: Ino-chan, can you do this for me? I promise I'll take a quick nap and be right back.
He said with a smile.
Sakura: That's not gonna work-
Ino: Of course, I will.
She said with dreamy eyes, Sakura fell over.
JJ: Thanks. If at anytime it gets to be too much just come get me. I promise I'll relieve you of duty.
He said running off into the distance. Ino snapped out and stared at her hands.
Ino: How did he do that. He used my own trick against me.
She said thinking back to the many times she had used it on him. Sakura jumped up and shouted.
Sakura: What was that!
Ino: He's a quick learner.
She said staring at his disappearing form.
Sakura: Do you like him?
Ino: Kinda, but he likes Mika. I can tell.
She said picking up the decor from the ground. Sakura squealed and jumped back as a shadow appeared over Ino.
JJ: You know what, nevermind. I can't make you do this. I'll finish, I can't do that to you. [Damn you chivalry!]
He said as he jumped back onto the roofs and started to decorate once again.
Sakura: That was weird.
Ino: He's nice, far too nice to use that trick.
She said smiling at him. Her mind drifted to three weeks ago, despite what everyone believe of her, she was training intensely in the trees in the forest. Unfortunately, she was trying too hard. As she leapt from a tree, and tried reaching out for a branch, but missed it by inches. She fell down and landed on her feet with a snap. She crumbled to the ground in pain trying to cradle her injured ankle. Cursing her own secrecy, no one would be out there to help her. She pushed back against a tree and let tears roll down her face before covering her own face with her arms.
????: Are you okay?
She looked up and wiped her eyes as the bronze skinned boy smiled down at her. He leaned down and checked her ankle.
JJ: It looks like it's twisted, you shouldn't push yourself so hard.
JJ reached back and grabbed a handkercheif from his pocket before he gently wrapped it on her ankle, tightly pulling it together. She winced at the pain and JJ turned around with his back bent down.
Ino: What are you-
JJ: Piggyback. You're not too shy are you?
Ino quietly shook her head and reached around his neck while blushing the whole way. JJ reached down and picked up her legs while being careful not to touch anywhere that would offend her. He walked through the large trees and stopped at the bench near the main road before setting her down. He silently smiled at her deep blush as he leaned down.
JJ: If you wait here someone will find you. Unless you wanted me to carry you all the way through the village like that.
Ino: Thank you.
JJ: It's alright.
He said as he started doing handsign and placed his hands on her ankle. They glowed green, and his touch felt warm, even warmer than usual. She pulled back after a few seconds and her wound was gone. She pulled up her ankle and rubbed it before asking.
Ino: What did you do?
JJ: I'm the student of a medic nin. Did you really think I didn't know any medical ninjutsu of my own.
He said as he walked off. Ino blushed again and screamed.
Ino: Then you could've just healed me when you found me.
JJ stopped and peeked back over his shoulder.
JJ: Yeah, but then I wouldn't have been able to carry you.
He said with a smile before continuing his stride. Ino blushed deeper and smiled slightly.
Ino stopped reminescing and walked over too him before she started helping on her own. He looked at her, but she didn't say anything. He turned back and Sakura slowly walked over and helped as well. None said anything, but they all worked together. As suddenly as the sun had arisen into the sky, it descended into the ground. JJ stood in Naruto's room as he prepared to get ready for the festival. Yubiki stood in her kimono and twirled in front of Hinata and Hanabi who were both waiting in their own kimonos. Mika waited with the other girls as the two guys in the room got ready.
JJ: Are you sure about going?
Naruto: I might as well.
JJ: Do you know what it's about?
Naruto: No, how would I?
JJ: Man are you going to be in for a surprise.
Naruto: What do you mean?
JJ: Nothing.
He said as he and Naruto finally walked out of the room. Naruto's eyes swept the room and he smiled at his himes and mother who seemed to be beaming. He had never seen her so happy, it looked like all her troubles had washed away, at least for the moment. He also noticed something that he wouldn't have said aloud to her, but when she smiled like that, she looked almost human. It made him wonder what was the difference between humans and demons, except for the obvious difference in power, of course. JJ cleared his throat and dismissed the conversation drifting throughout the room. The girls turned to them and Naruto peeked at Hinata before asking.
Naruto: JJ's acting weird, what's the catch about this festival.
Yubiki's ears grew long and fluttered above her head like a normal fox's and she placed her finger to her chin.
Yubiki: I don't know. Now that I think about it what is the reason for having a festival today?
She said also turning to Hinata. Hanabi stepped back leaving her sister to answer the question on her own and she looked down.
Hinata: Well, it's the Kyuubi day festival.
Yubiki: They named the festival after me. Why?
She said with a smile, Hinata looked away again and continued.
Hinata: It's a festival to celebrate the...the day the Kyuubi was defeated.
Yubiki's smile dropped and Naruto's eyebrow twitched. Yubiki snapped to the side and said.
Yubiki: Can you repeat that for me.
Hinata: I-It's a celebration o-of your defeat.
Yubiki smiled.
Yubiki: Oh really?
She said lifting her arm, dripping of red chakra and eyes slit.
Yubiki: Well, I think I'll have a word with the villagers about that.
Naruto: Right behind you.
He said with his eyes also slit. Hanabi jumped in front of them waving wildly.
Hanabi: Wait, don't do that.
Both lifted an eyebrow at herand Yubiki leaned down at her with a wicked smile. Hanabi didn't know why, but Yubiki smile scared her in place. Even though she knew Yubiki wouldn't hurt her, she stood her ground and shouted.
Hanabi: Please.
Yubiki pulled back and crossed her arms with a huff.
Yubiki: Is that all you were going to do. Lame. Whatever, but if one of them looks at me cross-eyed after acting out such an offense, I don't know what I might do.
She said smiling wickedly once again. Hanabi ran and hid behind Naruto who was still upset. He sighed and said.
Naruto: Now I really don't wanna go.
Hinata: It'll be alright. Just come.
She said grabbing his hand as he reluctantly let her lead him. He walked outside and looked at all of the smiling people and it seemed to calm him and Yubiki down slightly. He walked down the stairs as the others followed. Yubiki walked ahead of him and led the others down the road. Sarutobi looked at her and almost swallowed his pipe. Others had similar reactions as they gazed at her. She stopped and said calmly.
Yubiki: What? It's not like I'm mad or anything. I'm just ere to enjoy the festival.
She said with a smile despite the fact that she was spilling red chakra through her pores. The people looked on and shivered.
Naki: We didn't really think this through did we?
Sarutobi: No, no we didn't.
Yubiki dispersed of her chakra and walked calmly through everyone. Slowly, but surely, the festival picked back up. Naruto walked around with the girls and Yubiki following him. Iruka spied her and walked over to her.
Iruka: Hello Yubiki-san.
Yubiki: What this about? You wanna pick another fight?
She said with an arrogant smile.
Iruka: No. I wanted to know if you were hungry.
Naruto looked at the guy with a smile then he silently grabbed the girls and walked away.
Yubiki: Sorry, but I'm just gonna-
She turned and noticed the absence of the children behind her. She grimaced and said.
Yubiki: Why not.
Iruka looked behind her and walked through the people crowding the festival. A child bumped into her and fell. The little girl looked up to her as if afraid she had angered her. Yubiki bent down and grabbed the small prize the girl had dropped before she placed it back in her hand and rubbed her head. She gave the girl and warm smile and helped her up. The girl smiled back and waved to her as she went on her way. Yubiki waved back and snapped head toward Iruka who was looking at her in disbelief.
Yubiki: What's wrong with you!?
Iruka: N-Nothing.
He said turning away with a blush.
[Flash]
Naruto walked with Hinata holding one hand and Hanabi holding the other. He noticed someone waiting at the end of the road and flashed an arrogant smile as Hanabi waved. Sasuke turned his head the Naruto and they both entered a battle of snorts. Hinata looked at them and turned to Hanabi as she greeted Yu.
Hanabi: That's a conversation for them.
Hinata: Oh.
Both boys turned around and began looking around the festival. Sasuke lifted his head and said.
Sasuke: So you're cool about this?
He asked finally returning his gaze to Naruto.
Naruto: As cool as I'm gonna be. I didn't think you'd actually come.
Sasuke: I'm here because she wanted to come.
He said looking at his sister.
Naruto: Same here.
????: Naruto-kun.
Naruto turned to Lee who walked with Tenten practically latched onto his hand. Lee stopped in front of him and smiled.
Lee: It is good to see you here. May I be the first to wish you a happy birthday.
Naruto: Nice to see you Lee. Wait, how did you know it was my birthday?
????: That's easy.
He turned to see Shikamaru walking up behind him.
Shikamaru: According to your story, you were born on the day of the Kyuubi's attack. This is a festival that celebrates the day of the Kyuubi's defeat. Both were the same day, it's not hard to put the two together.
Naruto looked away and frowned. Choji looked at him and spied the crowd.
Choji: Where is JJ?
Naruto looked back and shrugged.
Naruto: We split up when we got here.
Choji: He's probably avoiding me. He's not getting out of this that easily.
He said stomping off. Tenten lifted an eyebrow and stared.
Tenten: What was that about?
Shikamaru: Don't know.
He said shrugging and Naruto looked at him.
Naruto: Better question; why are you wearing that robe?
He asked Shikamaru, who's robe was about five sizes larger than him.
Shikamaru: Oh, my mom locked me out so I had to borrow one from Choji.
Yu: She locked you out?
Shikamaru: Yeah, and she bolted the windows.
They all stared at him for a moment in complete silence.
Hanabi: That's disturbing.
She said breaking the silence.
[Flash]
Yubiki picked up a the ramen between her chopsticks and placed it in her mouth. She swallowed and looked over to Iruka who was sitting next her, staring at his wallet.
Yubiki: What's wrong with these humans? How dare they do something this?
She said still eating. Iruka smiled and looked over to her.
Iruka: I think it's a good thing.
Yubiki stopped and placed her chopsticks down before narrowing her eyes toward him.
Yubiki: How so, oh wise one?
Iruka: Well, I think that the people actually forgot that you were free.
Yubiki: That's likely.
She said dripping with sarcasm.
Iruka: I think that this festival symbolizes the strength of our village, and the fact that they still set it up is proof enough. It means that they don't mind that you're the same fox that attacked us so long ago.
Yubiki: That's funny. Just a while ago you tried to fight me, and now you're telling me I'm forgiven. Don't mind me if I'm little sceptical.
She said eating once again.
Iruka: I don't blame you.
He said as he started eating too. Ichiraku looked down at them and smiled.
Ichiraku: Isn't it Naruto's birthday today?
Yubiki: Yeah, but as unlikely as it may sound, I don't think he's going to stop by. He didn't want people to know about it.
Ichiraku: Why don't you go have fun too, or are you going to hang out at my booth all night?
Yubiki: I don't feel like it.
Ayame: I'm sure Iruka will be happy to be your escort. Go and enjoy yourself Yubiki-san. The ramen will be on the house later.
Yubiki looked up, sighed, and finished her bowl before standing up. Iruka paid and stood up with her as she walked with her eyes drawn away from everyone else, as if trying to avoid stares. When she finally looked she noticed that no one was staring at her.
Iruka: See.
He said catching her gaze.
Iruka: Wanna try a game?
Yubiki: What game?
Iruka: There's plenty, just pick one.
Yubiki walked over to a tank of goldfish and bent down.
Yubiki: Is this one.
Yubiki asked Iruka who just nodded at her. The man running the game seemed to start sweating when she came. She looked at the man and asked.
Yubiki: So, what do I do?
Fuuga: Um, well you just catch a fish in the net and you get to keep the fish that you catch.
Yubiki: How much?
Fuuga: 20 Ryo.
Yubiki felt in the pockets of her Kimono and pulled out a coin piece she had "borrowed" from Naruto. She handed it to the man and he handed her a net. She rolled up her sleeve and dipped the net into the water manuvered it under the fish. Once she lifted the net under the fish it ripped apart. She dropped the man another coin piece and grabbed a new net. She went after the same fish and once she seized the moment the net ripped again. She narrowed her eyes and looked slowly over the Fuuga.
Yubiki: This game is rigged.
Fuuga jumped back with sweat dripping down his face as he waved his hands in front of himself.
Fuuga: No of course it isn't just keep trying. [This game is so rigged, I just don't wanna die.]
Yubiki tried once again to catch the fish, but once again the net ripped. A vein bulged in her head and she shouted.
Yubiki: That it!!!
She changed into the form of a nomal fox as the clothes she wore dripped over her body. She watched with unbinking eyes at the fish then she quickly swiped into the tank. The fish tried desperately to swin away with a tear dripping dow it's face in defeat. Yubiki smacked the fish from the tank and snapped her head toward Fuuga and shouted.
Yubiki: BAG IT!!!
Fuuga: Yes ma'am.
He said quickly getting to the task. Yubiki changed back and took a breath of relief, before she turned and noticed that everyone was staring at her. She looked down and noticed that because of her transformation, her kimono had come back on wrong when she changed back. She slowly lifted it back up and blushed.
Yubiki: Don't look at me like that, you're embarrassing me.
She said in an extremely sexy voice, causing all of the men to pass out in a nosebleed.
Yubiki: I still got it.
She said as she grabbed the unconcious Iruka and wrapped the bag containing the fish around her wrist.
[Flash]
Naruto jumped from the top of a roof, landing in front JJ who seemed to be staring into space.
Naruto: What's wrong with you?
JJ: Huh?
He said slowly turning to him. Naruto looked at what JJ seemed to be caught by. It was Mika, she was surrounded by boys, all vying for her attention.
Naruto: So that's it. Why don't you just go over there?
JJ: I don't know what to say....
JJ spaced out again and then started humming, which confused Naruto. Then he started singing.
JJ: Always talkin' bout what you got, always talkin' bout what you got, always talkin' bout what you got. Girl you know that you need to stop.
He sang while bobbing his head. Naruto lifted an eyebrow and called out to him, making him snap from his daydream and look at him.
Naruto: What was that about?
He asked in confusion.
JJ: Oh, um nothing.
Naruto had forgotten the entire reason he was looking for him until it came to them.
Choji: JJ!
JJ turned to Choji with wide eyes.
Choji: I challenge you to a BBQ eating contest. Be there in ten minutes annd don't even try to back out!
He shouted before he stomped off.
JJ: What the hell?
Naruto: Oh yeah, that's why I was looking for you.
JJ: Ha, he really wants to beat me. Guess I have to accept.
Mika looked over to him and waved to him before she politely bowed out of the crowd. She walked over to him and smiled.
Mika: You seem tired Norugi-kun.
JJ: Kind of.
Mika: Are you okay?
JJ: Yeah, I guess. Shouldn't you get back to your army of admirers?
Mika: What's wrong with you?
JJ: Nothing.
Naruto: Shouldn't you be getting ready for that BBQ eating contest?
JJ: Whatever.
He said standing tall and walking off, leaving Naruto and Mika staring on.
Mika: What's up his ass?
Naruto: I don't know.
JJ: There's nothing up my ass!!!!!
He shouted from down the road, causing people to stare at him, not that he really cared. Choji sat impatiently waiting for JJ to arrive, until he finally did.
JJ: What's this about?
Choji: Today, you go down.
JJ: Alright. Let's go then.
He said with a smile as they both walked onto the stage with the other contestants. Both took their seats and stared at each other.
Ruuga: Begin.
Both boys indulged in the plates before them and ate like their lives depended on it. Naruto walked passed and stared at them as other began to crowd around. After the fourth plate a competitor fell to the side in defeat while others began to surrender or quit. Ino stopped and stared at both boys before she began to chuckle. They both looked ridiculous, but at least the were having fun. After fifteen more bowls it was only two standing. Choji looked over to JJ who seemed like he hadn't even been eating at all. His face was normal and he simply looked over to him and smiled.
JJ: What's wrong Akimichi? Do you remeber what I am. I've been eating way more than this for a long time. And sometimes it only took one bite.
He said with a smile, but Choji just frowned. He was not going to lose, Shikamaru, Ino, and his parents were in the crowd. He couldn't be beaten. He reached down and forced down another plateful of meat before looking back at JJ who seemed to start sweating. He struggled to reach down and put up a piece of meat, then his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he passed out onto the floor. Ruuga walked over and grabbed Choji's hand before raising it into the air.
Ruuga: We have a winner!
The crowds's cheers filled the air as Choji stood triumphant. His parent showered him with praise as JJ was dragged from the stage. Naruto walked around as Hinata and Hanabi followed behind him. Naruto looked down JJ at and said with a plain face.
Naruto: You done?
JJ shot up and replied.
JJ: Yeah I'm done.
The girls jumped in surprise and stared at him.
Hanabi: I thought you were unconcious.
JJ: That's why it's called acting.
He said as he stood up and walked away slowly.
JJ: Let's let Choji have his pride.
He said as he flapped up his jacket and walked away from the booth. Choji saw him walking away and smiled before he umped down through the crowd and went toward him.
Choji: Ha, I finally beat you!
JJ: Yeah you beat me Choji, you won. What say we go out for BBQ to celebrate?
Choji: WOO, sounds like a plan to me.
Everyone gathered around them sweatdropped and began to ask a question before both boys walked off.
Kiba: I could go for some BBQ, what about you Akamaru?
Akamaru: Arf!
Kiba rubbed the dog's head and walked after Choji. Everyone else just shrugged and followed behind. Sasuke looked to the side and saw Raizen walking through the people quietly, as if trying to escape something. He was looking back and Sasuke turned as someone called you him.
Ino: Raizen!
Raizen jumped and turned around to them.
Raizen: [Dammit!]
Sakura looked down and Ino waved to him.
Ino: We're for BBQ, you wanna come?
Raizen quickly turned around and jumped when he saw Kiba in front of him. Kiba reached up and dropped his arm around Raizen's shoulder.
Kiba: So you gonna hide from her?
Raizen shook and looked at him with wide eyes.
Kiba: I'm not blind man. Why don't you practice what you preach.
He said pushing him forward and walking behind him.
Kiba: He said he''s coming.
Shino pushed his glasses up to his face and shook his head as everyone walked off. Raizen and Sakura both grew extremely quiet as they walked. Everyone noticed and looked at them, but their faces were toward the ground so they never noticed. Ishi leaned forward and asked.
Ishi: You two having a lover's tiff?
Both Raizen and Sakura's head shot up and they turned around completely red whiled everyone smiled at them. They both waved their hands in front of their faces while furiously denying it. Yu laughed at them and said.
Yu: When you deny it that hard it makes you look like you're lying.
Sasuke chuckled and made Sakura blush even redder. Naruto led everyone back to their path and stopped in front of the restuarant.
Naruto: We going in?
He asked with Hinata standing under him. Everyone turned away from Raizen and Sakura before walking into the restaurant.
Minutes later the entire place was bustling with conversation. Lee laughed with his friends, not looking at where he was reaching, he reached down for his cup, but unfortunately he grabbed the wrong one. Neji and Tenten felt a chill go up their spine and they looked at Lee with fear in their eyes. Tenten quickly pulled a shuriken and threw it into the cup, spilling it's contents all over Lee who quickly sat up.
Tenten: I'm sorry about that, com'n we need to get you cleaned up.
She said leading him off by the hand. Neji let out a deep exhale and everyone looked at him.
Ino: What was that about?
Neji: Lee, picked up sake.
Kiba: What's wrong with that? I mean, it is a party.
Neji: Let's just say Lee and sake don't mix. At all.
He said as if he was relieved.
[Flash]
Yubiki walked down the street eating her dango while smiling happily. Iruka was staring at her and she turned to him with her fox ears showing through her human form.
Yubiki: What?
Iruka just stared at her ears while slightly blushing.
Iruka: Nothing at all.
Iruka looked up to the sky and checked his watch.
Iruka: [It's almost time.] We should get ready. The night is almost over and we have something to show you.
He said grabbing her hand and running off.
[Flash]
The group of genin walked from the restaurant and checked the sky. JJ smiled and said.
JJ: We have to go.
Everyone checked their watches and smiled. Naruto was the only one who didn't know what was happening, but Hinata and Hanabi grabbed his hand before leading the entire group towards the hill on the far side of the village. Raizen walked a different way and sat at a bench, before looking into the sky.
Sakura: Hey.
Raizen looked up as emerald green eyes gazed down at him from above. She slowly walked around the bench and sat down next to him.
[Flash]
Sasuke sat down at the hill next to Naruto and his group [Hinata, Hanabi, JJ, Mika.] with his little sister sitting close under his arm. Lee sat under a tree on the far side with Tenten sitting beside him. Neji sat below the others with Ishi holding hand. InoShikaCho, all sat next to each other staring at the sky with expectation. Shino looked over as Kiba sat next to him while slightly peeking his head over to Hinata who seemed to be happy beyond belief.
Shino: Are you okay?
Kiba: Yeah. As long as she's happy.
He said looking to the sky.
[Flash]
Naki: Just like we planned.
Genma: Yeah, I hope he can see it.
[Flash]
Naruto: What are we all doing here?
Hinata: You'll see.
She said right before a flare flew into the sky. Naruto jumped to his feet and prepared, but Hnata grabbed his arm.
Hinata: It's okay.
Hanabi: It's just fireworks.
Naruto: Fireworks?
JJ: Yeah, it's fire that flies into the air and explode to make shapes.
Hanabi: They're pretty.
Naruto sat back down and watched in amazment.
[Flash]
Sakura: I'm sorry if I offended you.
Raizen: It's alright. I'm kind of used to it.
Sakura: It's not okay. You're always there for me and well...thank you.
Raizen: So you did hear me talking to Kiba.
He said smacking his head.
Raizen: No wonder you're mad.
Sakura: I'm not mad. I didn't mean to hurt you I should've been more considerate of your feelings.
Raizen: I don't want you to feel like you owe me. That's why I never told you.
Sakura: Hehe. That's what I like about you. Raizen, I'm not giving up on Sasuke, but I think we should start over from the beginning.
Raizen: Sounds good.
He said shaking her hand. Sakura turned and her heart beat at seventy miles per hour. She felt like her chest would burst. Raizen looked at the fireworks and Sakura turned.
Sakura: Raizen.
Raizen turned to her and his eyes went wide as she kissed him. Time froze and his heart stopped. After what seemed like an eternity she pulled back and he stared at her with a furious blush.
Sakura: What, it's not like I haven't kissed you before.
Raizen's mind replayed to their childhood. It was his first kiss, she accompanied them with the words "Now that that's out of the way, we can be friends." However, it only deepened his feelings for her and gave him a blush that didn't fade for the entire day. He doubted that the blush on his face would fade today either. Sakura looked to the sky and satred at the lightshow before saying.
Sakura: It's beautiful.
Raizen: Yes, it is.
Sakura never looked down, or else she would have noticed that he wasn't looking at the fireworks, but his gaze was set on her. After a short while he finally looked to the sky.
[Flash]
Kakashi looked from the roof and gazed at the sky.
Kakashi: So, that's what you meant Gai. It's not about the Kyuubi's defeat, but the feeling of strength that the festival represents.
Gai: Now you get it. Now that that's done with, it's time for our duel.
Kakashi: Hm, were you saying something?
He asked lifting his face from his book.
Gai: Our duel Kakashi.
Kakashi: Oh, I had forgotten about that.
Gai: What!?
Kakashi placed his arm down on the table and opened his palm.
Kakashi: Arm wrestling.
Gai: Ha, why such a simple game.
Kakashi: Because I want to get book to my book, and you're interfering with that.
Gai: Fine, I accept. Get ready to lose Kakashi!
He said sitting down across from the man and latched his hand onto his opponent's. Both struggled, but Gai quickly gained the upperhand. Kakashi peeked his eye behind Gai and said.
Kakashi: Is that someone insulting the springtime of youth over there.
Gai: What!?
He shouted quickly looking to the side before his hand slammed the table. Kakashi pulled out his book and once again became lost in the words.
Kakashi: I guess I win.
Gai looked at his hand and dropped his head.
Gai: Damn you Kakashi.
Kakashi: Maybe you should pay more attention.
Gai dropped his head down on the table and Kakashi stood triumphant after winning his match with Gai before silently walking off.
[Flash]
The children sat on the hill staring at the sky in awe. Mika sat next to JJ and laid her head on his shoulder. He looked over to her and then back to the sky. Tenten scooted closer to Lee and grabbed his hand. Lee turned to her and smiled. Once he was finally in position she pressed her lips on his. Lee had no time to react, he barely even processed that it happened. Tenten quickly pulled back and looked away from him.
Lee: Tente-
Tenten: Shut up. I just felt like doing that okay. Don't read too much into it.
Lee: H-Hai.
He said quickly looking back to the sky, both ignoring the blushes on he other's face. Naruto turned his face away from them and chuckled.
[Music que: Shooting star by: Home Made Kazoku.]
He looked over to Sasuke and he snorted and nudged his head to the sky as something flew into it. The spark was larger than the others. Everyone turned to him and smiled as it flew into the dark sky. Once it exploded the sparks fromed something. It was a statement that read; "Happy 13th Naruto!". Naruto's eyes went wide and people cheered at the dazzling display. Naruto stared at it with his mouth open, blankly staring at it. The words seemed to illuminate the the entire sky.
Naruto turned around to the smiles of his friends and he looked back to the sky with a smile. Not his arrogant one, not his evil one, but the smile he only wore for his himes. He smiled, for the first time allowing the entire world to see his real smile. JJ placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder and he caught himself, folding his arms before turning around with his eyes closed, but his smile wouldn't fade.
[Flash]
Everyone looked to the sky with smiles and Naki folded his arms at his work. Three people had come up with the idea to do that. It was he, Iruka and Hiashi. Once he presented it to the hokage he applauded them and openly accepted the idea, they still hadn't properly thanked him for the attack by the stone. This was all they could offer at the moment, but though he would never say it, for Naruto, it was enough.
Yubiki smiled at the words as Iruka held tightly onto her hand and she said silent enough for only Iruka to hear.
Yubiki: For a festival based on my death. This isn't so bad.
She said gazing into the night sky smiling at the stars lighting the night. Hiashi went to find his daughters, but found something that he hadn't expected. He found the children, all had fallen asleep in the field of grass. Hinata and Hanabi both clinging to Naruto as he slept stretched out along the ground. The other parents stared on as well smiling at the precious sight. Ino had found rest laying on Choji stomach as if it were a pillow. Shikamaru laid in behind them. Mika laid out across JJ chest as he slept soundly. Lee and Tenten slept leaning against one another on a tree. Yu laid under Sasuke who had somehow managed to sleep sitting up. Shino laid back on a tree as Kiba laid back up in the grass, snoring with Akamaru perched on his chest. Raizen slept with his head on Sakura's lap, which happened after they had fallen asleep. After a while of inner turmoil, the adults decided to let them rest. No kind of monster would even dream of disturbing such a precious scene.
[Flash] The next morning came and Sarutobi found himself busy with his duties once again. He was forced to spend the entire night with his grandson, whom wouldn't stop talking about Naruto being his new teacher. It was times like that that made him remember his own age.
That however, wasn't the reason he was busy, but an emmissary had come to him. Requesting a mission from a specific team.
Sarutobi: You require team fourteen? May I ask why?
????: I apololgize. My name is Yugo Yuzuka. I am from the hidden stone village.
Sarutobi's eyes shot into a glare.
Yugo: I am not here to begin conflict. I only wish to fix the damage done the last time our village visited. I would also like to meet the one who defeated the last general.
Sarutobi: Why should I agree to these terms.
Yugo: I wish to reestablish trades with the leaf. If this goes right, both of our countries will thrive. All I ask is that you allow a show of good faith. We have trouble, I ask that you assist us.
Sarutobi: I will send the team you asked, but only because I know they could handle themselves if you try something. I will assist you, but know that I do not trust you.
Yugo: I understand. I will go and greet them personally.
He said as he bowed and walked from the room.
[Flash]
Naruto walked down the street with JJ, Mika, and Hinata trailing behind him. All laughing and speaking of the events of the night before, except Naruto wo had reverted to his public personality. He looked up to a suspicious man and Mika dropped everything she had and shivered when she saw him. JJ looked up to the man as he stopped in front of them with a smile.
Yugo: Hello, Mika.
Mika shivered even more as she weakly said.
Mika: Oniichan.
Everyone looked to the man and narrowed their eyes. This guy was trouble, and something was going to happen. Peace was a fragile thing, it never seems to last long, because the weeds in the grass are always growing, no matter how many you pull the weeds will keep coming, and soon they will tarnish the beauty of the entire field.
Chapter 7 end
Preview:
JJ: I don't trust this guy.
Naruto: Neither do I.
Hinata: Are you okay Mika?
Mika: Yeah, I'm fine.
Claire: Keep yours wits about you, you four. As far as I'm concerned, we're in enemy territory.
JJ: Wait that guy seems strange. What!? Naruto that guy is a Jinchuuriki!
Naruto: What?
Gaara: So you are Naruto Uzumaki.
Naruto: Now we have two problems.
Hinata: Naruto-kun, that guy practically radiates killer intent.
Naruto: Damn.
Next time on Eyes piercing the darkness.
Mika's destiny: Journey into stone!
JJ: I will protect her!!!
Well, that took longer than I thought. Mostly because I have a very low attention span. I tend to get side-tracked while writing. I don't even know why. I try to fight it, but it's hard. And yes, there will be Gaara in the next chapter. Despite what it's says in the the preview, the chapter is not about Gaara and the main character only meet him breifly, but they do meet him for the first time as well as more of his brutality. What I really plan for the next chapter is character depth for Mika and the explaination of why she can do powerful jutsu without using handsigns.
Also, Isane is the last OC from RN:AC. Her story is that she was created to be Itachi's Sakura. That's honestly what I thought when I made her. But unlike Sakura, she's strong and she is a pychic like Ishi, only much stronger. She is only vicious and bloodthristy if it would benefit Itachi. Her loyalty to him is boundless, and she wouldn't heistate to kill people. Itachi brought her with him because she is a powerful asset. She only trusts Itachi, because he saved her life, therefore she is devoted to him. I had added everyone else from the story so I figured, why not.
Speaking of which. I made a silent promise to myself. If that story can get 200 views, I would update it. I was kind of hating it, because I like the story, but I refuse to waste time. Recently I got 200 views, so now bound by my word, I have to update it. As such the next chapter my take a little long, but don't worry, I can mutli-task...I think.
Also when JJ was singing to himself, it was a reference to a song called "What you got" by Colby O' Donis and Akon. I was planning to make a songfic at the end of the chapter, but I decided against it. I may add it later, but I don't know.
DON'T SKIP THIS!!!!!!! I want to know, while JJIno won't happen because I hate when people make original characters based off of someone they knew or themselves and pair them with actual charaters. Not knocking people who do it, I just don't. So, as such I'm not going to do it. But, I want to know from the people, do you think Raizen and Sakura make a good couple or do you want me to keep it SasuSaku. I will take opinions for this. Because I'm caught between the two.
P.S. before I go. The LeeTen kiss was a special request from the girl I love, so This is for you.
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