Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Storm Scion: Crimson Wind ❯ Trial By Fire Shadow ( Chapter 3 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Iruka honestly didn’t feel right sending the young Ikari to fight those beasts. This exercise was a right of passage for genin for the first fifty years of the village’s existence. Many young souls were lost to the demons’ ravenous hunger, but just as many had passed. When the current Hokage, Sandaime Sarutobi, took up the mantle, his first act was to abolish the practice. Feeling that the practice was too barbaric for the new civilized age.


The cave hadn’t been opened in fifty years. So why now? Iruka had asked himself that question dozens of times. The teacher would have asked the Sandaime himself but the old man seemed deadly serious about the order. Could the kid be that talented? Could he be a spy or something?


Sarutobi had even ordered Iruka to keep a close watch on the Kiri gaki for anything suspicious. The Mist and Leaf had never had good relations in the first place. But sending spies had never been their bag. They preferred to keep out of the international spy game. Kiri was more interested in whatever problems were going on within their own borders.


From the reports he had read, the kid didn’t seem to have any ties with his village anymore. When ANBU found him roaming around the outer walls the young Ikari was wearing a Mist hitae-ate with a deep slash mark in the middle of the village symbol. Daisuke then, according to the report, asked to “see the Big Cheese about a job application.” Something about referring to the Hokage as the “Big Cheese” angered the ANBU. A shouting match then ensued promptly landing him a four by five cell in Ibiki’s dungeon. After four days in the lap of luxury Ibiki finally got around to him.


Ibiki was clearly angry about the situation, calling the interrogation a complete waste of his torture time. The gaki didn’t even crack under the madman’s methods he just stuck to his story. Daisuke was either a very good actor or very dense.


When the fiasco reached its conclusion the Kiri gaki was released. Free to join if he so pleased.


Iruka sighed. Maybe the Hokage was starting to get a bit senile in his old age.


Daisuke sniffed impatiently. “Any day now!”


Daisuke’s reminder broke Iruka from his reverie. “Oh, right!” Iruka shifted his hands into a few choice seals. “Kai!” (Release)


The invisible barrier around the cave’s maw changed to translucent azure then disbursed into tiny particles of light. Iruka made a few more seals, pouring his chakra into the atmosphere around him. He converted the chakra around him into the illusion of his liking. Carrion no jutsu!


The air around them took on the smell of rotting flesh. Kiba licked his lips at the familiar smell. Smells just like mom when she comes back from the hunt. Akamaru panted, the familiar was starting to feel hungry.


Everyone’s stomachs started to turn at the disgusting smell. Sakura herself felt like throwing up. Is this a genjutsu?


Daisuke ignored the smell, concentrating on the task at hand. He unsheathed the curved 23-inch blade sinking into a basic kenjutsu stance. A small smile graced his lips. He could sense them, that foul aura. They’re here.


A hunched shape emerged from the abyss. Scaley green, the creature was five feet tall and weighed 110 pounds. Terribly large, sharp talons adorned its hands and feet, three were attached to each. It stood up in bipedal fashion. Its eyes were black, darker than any chasm. They were filled with the most primal of instincts hunger...


And it soon would hunger no more. The beast let out a shrill eardrum piercing cry and with all the might in its being it leapt at the ruby eyed youth its talons sweeping to decapitate. Daisuke sidestepped to avoid the deadly blow, he spun mid step to deliver a horizontal cut. The creature spun around realizing it had missed it lunged at the ex-rogue. Claw and blade crashed several times in a battle for supremacy. The demon was surprisingly fast, it had taken everything he had just to keep up with monster’s blows. Maybe I’m just getting rusty. He mused as he guarded. The beast had just made a fatal mistake, the flesh of the beast’s hand met the sharp of the sword. Gotcha! He made a half ram seal focusing chakra to his hands. Daisuke pressed the blade up against the creature’s skin and bone. With his chakra enhanced strength he cut off its upper palm.


The demon howled in pain as blood spurt out its missing appendage. Daisuke brought his bloodied blade up to bear so he could deliver the final cut. He lashed downward with a powerful two-handed slash that cleaved through the creature’s skull. As it fell forward, the ruby eyed youth twisted his form into a reverse handed grip. He lanced his blade through the creature’s chest finalizing whatever life the beast had in it.


He pushed the carrion off his blade. Landing with a sick, meaty thud.


The majority of the hidden crowds’ stomachs were doing somersaults. The genin had never seen anything like that before. Sure they had heard war stories from retired ninjas that came in to speak to the class. But seeing and hearing are two different things, as they had just discovered.


Sasuke Uchiha snorted. It honestly didn’t bother him any. He had been through far worse. The younger Uchiha smirked. This guy might make a decent rival. His eyes shifted crimson. It wouldn’t do to miss anything the fun is just about to start.


Daisuke frowned. Taking out a vermillion stained cloth to clean his blade. Didn’t Iruka say something about there being more of them? He shrugged. I’ll take it as comes.


“Daisuke look out!” A familiar voice called. It was too late for Daisuke. The demon had already cleaved his head in half. Screams in rang out in horror as his head rolled to the ground. The only strange thing was that his insides weren’t red. They were clear.


‘Daisuke’ dissolved into a puddle of water. Iruka sighed in relief. It was just a mizu bushin (water clone).


The beast sniffed the air for any sign of its prey. Nothing but the same smell all around. The demon growled impatiently. It had not eaten in such a long time. It needed sustenance. Now!


The cold clear substance began to wrap around the monstrosity’s feet binding it in place. It began
to struggle.


Mizu Nabara (Water Capture Field)


“You know,” Daisuke said dryly, leaning up against a near by tree. His amusement was obvious from his smile. “It only gets worse as you struggle.” His amused smile turned into a predatory grin. The beast roared as if to say “I’m going to kill you when I get out of here!”


“But then again,” Daisuke Ikari shrugged. “Look at what I’m talking to.” He made a string of seals.


Hare, serpent, dragon, bird. “Suigadan!” (Water Fang)


Several water pikes shot up from the puddle impaling the beast in several vital spots before descending into their original shape.


Another shriek resounded, the same kind of demon came charging at the young Ikari. Daisuke only smiled. He started new seals.


Serpent, tiger. Suiton: Teppoudama (Water Element: Bullet)


Daisuke took a deep breath his cheeks puffing up. The air in his mouth began to morph into water. When he exhaled a football sized water sphere shot out of his mouth at a speed of ninety-seven miles per hour. When it hit the abomination in the head it dropped like a sack of potatoes. The hilt of a small kunai was sticking out of its skull.


Iruka blinked then smiled. This guy is more skilled than I thought he would be.


Daisuke turned to Iruka with his normal sharp-toothed grin. “How did I do?”


Iruka grinned in return, giving him a small nod.


“You’re next.” Iruka said cheerfully. Sora only nodded, her crimson orbs stared despondently at the scene. Bloodied demon cadavers lying on the forest floor waiting to become consumed by the circle. She honestly wondered how she was going to defeat these things. The biggest of them was about five feet; two inches taller than she, they also seemed to have a bit of speed to them. This would take every thing she had learned, Sora only hoped that she could put them into practice.


“Any day now.” Daisuke said impatiently. At this rate, he thought irritably. I won’t get the chance to die of old age. He leaned up against the tree under the branch where the two where perched in a desperate attempt to get out of the rain and avoid Pneumonia. He made a ram seal blending himself to the tree.


Sora steeled herself. Reducing all self doubt to a molecule. She had to do this not just for herself, but for all those that helped her along the way. I can do this...


Sora leaped down to the moist ground, taking in the surrounding conditions. Perfect. A small smile graced her lips. She moved past Daisuke into the clearing. Daisuke observed the red head’s visage. She seems pretty confident, Daisuke noted. I wonder what she’s learned since we met last. Whatever she does it just might be entertaining. His smile grew thin.


It began to rain harder. “Are you ready?” The Chuunin Teacher shouted.


“Ready as I’ll ever be.” The crimson eyed red head hollered back in compliance.


Iruka made the appropriate hand seals that made the smell more intense. Sora made a hand seal that neither shinobi nor kunoichi recognized, releasing chakra into the air. Three creatures a moment later emerged from the dark maw, hunger and bloodlust radiating from their dark eyes.


Catching sight of their prey, the demonic abominations sprang at Sora with surprising speed. It’s now or never! She made a ram seal concentrating chakra to her legs. When the abominations came close enough she leaped high up into the air with the help of chakra filled legs. She made a new sequence of seals. Her eyes flashed silver for a second.


Bird, dog, boar, monkey, bird. “Hyouton Kunai!” (Ice Knives)


The red head cupped her hand collecting the rain, within a matter of seconds several deadly sharp knives formed from the water. She twisted herself in mid air and with a simple flick of the wrist the ice knives were sent to their destination special delivery. Each of the stupid beasts dropped dead. Cause of death: knives to the heart and brain.


The red head landed in a crouched position before rising to feet then dusting herself off. Daisuke dropped his illusion, smiling. “Nice job, Sora-chan.”


“Indeed.” Iruka said appearing next to Daisuke in a puff of smoke. The hopefuls, almost as if on chuunin teacher’s cue, hopped down from their respectable perches. “You both have exceeded my expectations.” He pulled out a pair of dark blue bandanas with metal plates bolted onto them emblazoned on the surface was the symbol of the Konohagakure no Sato. The Chuunin Sensei chiseled a genuine grin on his visage before he continued.“Let me, Iruka Umino, be the first to welcome you both to the Village Hidden in the Leaves.”


Daisuke shot a sharp tooth grin back at Iruka while Sora only flushed. Iruka handed them their headbands. They both tied their forehead protectors loosely around their necks.


“Thank you, Sensei.” The two newly accepted Leaf genins bowed deeply. Almost as a sign from the gods themselves, the dark sky carried on revealing the sun blazing in the azure sky.


Iruka waved a dismissive hand. “Not at all you both earned it.” He looked up at the majestic azure sky. “Looks like every thing has cleared up,” Iruka observed. “We should get back, ne?”


“Hai.” The hopefuls chorused.


As they began to make their back, Shikamaru came up to Daisuke and Sora. “Hey, you two,” he greeted lazily. “The name’s Shikamaru Nara. I have to say from looking at your performance you are both pretty impressive.” The lazy teen moved his hands behind his head.


Daisuke smiled slightly. “Thanks Shikamaru-san. If don’t mind me asking, does your forte happen to be shadows?”


Shikamaru blinked, looking clearly surprised. How did he know? “Yeah, how did you guess?” The Lazy Nara inquired a bit perplexed. “It’s just Shikamaru by the way. I find the whole honorifics thing to be too troublesome for its own good.”


The obsidian haired youth chuckled. “I agree, Shikamaru.” He pushed up his glasses to the bridge of his nose. “To answer your question, back when I was an academy student in Kiri we were educated on the ninja villages and their clans, even the kinds of techniques they used. So when I heard your surname I immediately assumed your art.”


“That was a good assessment.” Shikamaru nodded.


The ex-rogue shook his head. “Not at all. I just happen to be well educated.”


Sora piped up. “So what’s Konoha like?”


“Kinda boring.” Shikamaru shrugged. “The only decent thing to do around here is play shougi and watch the world go by.”


“Maybe to you,” Kiba said clapping Shikamaru’s back. “Things will definitely be getting interesting once we become genin. Isn’t that right, Hinata-chan?”


“R-right!” The pearl eyed girl concurred. She was a shade or two red from staring at Naruto again. “Once we are genin we’ll get a sensei and learn all kinds of new things.”


Akamaru yipped in confirmation. “Aww!” Sora squealed. “What cute puppy!” Picking up the light haired pup she preceded to talk to him as it were a human child. “What’s your name, lil guy?” Akamaru barked happily.


“He says his name’s Akamaru.” Kiba said. Sora lifted a brow. “I’m sorry,” the feral boy laughed sheepishly. Good job dumb ass. He scolded himself mentally. “I forgot to introduce myself. The name’s Kiba. I’m the heir to the Inuzuka Clan.” Heir status check. Puppy check.


Sora put two and two together. “You can talk to dogs.” It wasn’t a query. Thank Kami for Daisuke’s lessons.


“Exactly,” Kiba grinned, fangs and all. Sora would’ve been a bit creeped out if she hadn’t met Daisuke. “How did you know?”


Sora smiled. “I have a good teacher.”



Daisuke blushed a tad. “Indeed.” He concurred, scratching the back of Akamaru’s ear.


“You were pretty impressive out there, Sora” Kiba continued. “What kind of technique did you use?”


“Well...” Sora was a bit hesitant to reveal her secrets, she glanced at Daisuke. He just shrugged. She glared at him in return. “I used a technique that released chakra into the air. And when I jumped up into the air, I manipulated the rain drops to my liking. To be simple, I am an ice ninja.”


Sasuke turned his head to the newly accepted Leaf nins. She’s definitely not from Kumo. He seems to check out though, techniques wise at least. I’ll have to keep an eye out for these two.


The fangirls who saw, namely Ino and Sakura, Sasuke looking at Sora instantly put her down on their “People to Hurt List.”


“Wow!” Naruto decided to throw his two ryou in. “That’s so cool!” He grinned foxily. “I heard of ninja that could do that kind of stuff. They haven’t even tried to teach us that kind of stuff yet.”


“That’s because,” Iruka said as they entered the classroom. “You must learn the basics before you learn anything else. Like Confucius said, ‘the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’.”


Naruto furrowed his brow and squinted his eyes. Naruto oddly enough, reminded Daisuke of a kitsune (fox) when he did that.


“Can you teach me a elemental technique, Iruka-sensei?” Naruto pleaded with puppy dog eyes.


Iruka smiled. “Only when you master the basics, Naruto.” He ruffled the blonde’s already messy hair.


Naruto was about to use his trump card before he was interrupted by Sasuke. “He’s right,” Sasuke sneered. “It must have been by the gods’ will alone that you even so much as passed, dobe.”


“Sasuke!” Naruto bellowed, springing at the younger Uchiha only to be restrained by Ino and Sakura. “I swear I’ll kick your ass one of these days.”


“Fat chance.” Sasuke snorted. “Hell will freeze over before that ever happens.”


“Sakura, Ino!” Naruto pleaded. “Please let me have a piece of this guy! He deserves it! Especially with way he treats you two.”


Sakura and Ino faltered for a split second before regaining their resolve. “Stop it, Naruto!” Sakura shouted. “This is for your own good.” Ino assured the other blonde.


“Naruto,” Iruka addressed the energetic blonde in a negotiative fashion. “If you stop this I will get you free ramen the next time we are at Ichiraku’s.” He looked Naruto directly in the eye. “Deal?”


Naruto furrowed his brow. Was free ramen worth denying the emo bastard the ass kicking of a lifetime?


“Sure.” Naruto agreed flatly. Just don’t think this is over teme...


Sakura and Ino released him from their death grip.


The entire class sweat dropped, save for Naruto and Sasuke who were sending death threats to each other via telepathy.


Talk about taming the savage beast. Daisuke thought.


Will my job ever get easier? Iruka questioned the gods.


Why can people solve their problems with reason? This is why I don’t talk... Shino mused as he adjusted his sunglasses.


What flavor of chip should I try next? BBQ or ramen? Mmmmmm... Food... Chouji drooled mentally.




Akamaru broke the awkward silence by barking.


Iruka suddenly realizing the true task at hand cleared his throat. “Okay everyone! The true reason, as I am sure most of you know, why all you are here is so that your new teams can be formed. Sit down and shut your traps so we can get own with our lives.”


When they did so, Iruka took out a multi-layered, folded piece of paper. It took him nearly five minutes to unfold it... The class sweat dropped as per usual. I shouldn’t have gotten bored and invented a paper folding jutsu. Iruka Umino grimaced. I have way too much spare time on my hands.


Iruka cycled through the teams until he arrived at our heros.


“...Cell Seven: Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha,” Sakura jumped and cheered for joy while Sasuke scowled. “Naruto Uzumaki...” Naruto proceeded to do the dance of joy, Sakura looked crestfallen asking the gods why they had forsaken her. Sasuke’s scowl intensified. “...And Daisuke Ikari.” Dai frowned, feeling a bit disappointed that he wasn’t with Sora. But then again... He looked at his team, Naruto tried to get Sakura dance with him only to earn himself a new lump. Sasuke sat in his seat soaking in his emo juices. He suppressed all out laugh, smiling at the brighter side of things. ...This just might be a fun experience.


Sasuke’s dim emo world was starting to become much more interesting. The younger Uchiha allowed himself a quick smile that he made sure no one saw. Finally, I have someone to test myself against.


Naruto realized something that completely annihilated his good mood. The bastard was apart of his team!


“Iruka-sensei!” The blonde shinobi hollered, jabbing his index in Sasuke’s direction. “Why is this emo douche on the same team with a great ninja like me?!”


Iruka’s brow twitched. Just when he thought it was smooth sailing. Don’t get angry... Don’t get mad... Serenity now!


“Naruto, that’s because,” He started in a restrained tone. “Out of the twenty nine graduates in this class, Sasuke is valedictorian and, you Naruto are at the very bottom. The idea is to balance your different strengths. That’s why!” The Chuunin Teacher crossed his arms and nodded to himself in self-satisfaction. That should put him in his place. Naruto’s shoulders slumped.


Sasuke made eye contact with Naruto. “Don’t slow me down, dunce.”


Naruto sizzled with rage. “What did you just call me, Sasuke-teme?!”


Naruto would have launched himself over his desk at Sasuke the only problem was there was someone impeding his progress. Daisuke smiled at Naruto, he was only two inches from the blonde’s face. Daisuke was suddenly seated in the empty seat between Naruto and Sakura. “Save the can of whip ass for sparing practice, okay comrade?” Naruto nodded dumbly before taking his seat.


The obsidian haired youth grinned bearing his shark like fangs. “Good, I’m glad to see we reached an understanding.”


Sakura stared in shock. The same question stirred inside the minds of the hopefuls that witnessed this, save for Sasuke. Where did he come from?


Iruka mentally reviewed Daisuke Ikari’s movements. Shunshin no Jutsu. (Body Flicker Technique) A basic technique, one that rookie genin usually don’t know. He must have a few years under his belt.


“Thank you, Daisuke-kun.” Daisuke nodded. “Let us continue. Cell Eight: Hinata Hyuuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and Sora Kousetsu.” Kiba cheered mentally. Not only do I get to be in a team with my friends I get a cute girl too. Akamaru, who had finally gotten free Sora’s grasp, yipped happily at his master’s content expression.


Shino felt a small bit of satisfaction boil in his being. He allowed himself a hidden smile.


Hinata was happy also. Sure she was disappointed that she wasn’t with Naruto, but the fact that she was with friends over shadowed that fact.


Sora felt sorry for Daisuke. He was in probably in the worst possible group. Hyperactive ninny blond with bad fashion sense, brooding jackass, and the obsessive compulsive fangirl. Daisuke had his work cut out for him. She was glad she got the semi normal team.


Ino seethed starring holes in the back of Sakura’s head. “How the hell did she get in Sasuke’s group?!”


Shikamaru jested dryly. “Luck, divine will, maybe.” It was a rhetorical question but he didn’t care.


Ino didn’t laugh. “This is no time for jokes, Shikamaru.” She scolded. “That forehead is going to get Sasuke’s attention and probably his first kiss at this rate!”


The Shadow User rolled his eyes and sighed. “I don’t see what’s so great about him. That guy’s been an ass ever since I first met him.”


Ino snorted. “You just can’t see the inner beauty in people, Shikamaru.” She crossed her arms. “I’d hate to be in a group with a cynic like you.”


It seemed that the gods had a sense of humor after all. “Cell Ten: Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and...”


Ino slumped in her seat. Shikamaru laughed at the platinum blonde’s plight. “Chouji Akimichi.” Iruka finished. Ino slumped ever deeper. Not food boy too! Chouji sneezed, choking on a chip. Luckily for him, Naruto was looking for a reason to punch someone in the throat.


Shikamaru smiled. Looks like the gods do have a sense of humor.


“That is it everyone.” Iruka said. “Break for lunch and get to know your teammates. Come back in two hours to meet your new sensei!” The class started to file out.


“Hey you!” She turned to see Ino. “Ino, right?”


“Don’t think you can Sasuke from me just because you think you are hot stuff!” The platinum blonde said hotly.


“Excuse me,” a familiar voice said. “I believe my friend doesn’t have any interest in my teammate. She’s not into that kind of guy.”


Sora turned her head to see Daisuke leaned against the hall wall opposite to her and Ino. “Besides he seems to have all the warm feelings of a dead fish. If you want to be treated like a lady you should pursue someone with more romantic fervor.”


Ino flushed. Where did he come from? I didn’t even sense him.


Someone tapped her on the shoulder. “Come on, Ino.” A dispassionate voice said. “Shikamaru!” She snapped. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”


Shikamaru rolled his dark eyes. “I wasn’t trying to. Let’s go. Chouji is waiting for us on the roof and probably has eaten half of the lunch he prepared for us.”


“Okay.” Ino said defeated. She jabbed her pointer at Sora. “Don’t you think we’re finished just because your boyfriend came to save you!”


Sora blushed. Boyfriend?!


Shikamaru dragged off his friend, shooting Sora and Dai apologetic look.


Sora turned back to Daisuke. “I see you still haven’t lost your pension for the dramatic.”


Daisuke sniggered. “Old habits die hard, no?”


Sora’s visage became serious. “What happened to you after what incident in Rice Country? When I came to, you were gone! I couldn’t find you anywhere! No matter how hard I looked...” Tears began to well up in the red head’s eyes.


“Sora...” He pulled her in close.


“I was all alone.” She said in between sobs.


“Shh...” He soothed. “Don’t worry about it. I’m here with you now.”


“Am I interrupting something?” A quiet voice inquired.


They released each other to find the mysterious person of Shino Aburame starring them down.


“Not at all, Shino-san.” Sora said wiping away the tears.


“Good.” Shino said stolidly. “I am here to inform you that the team is meeting at the Inuzuka residence for lunch.” Shino adjusted his glasses. “Kiba’s sister, Hana, is making beef stew and sandwiches. Would you like to join us?”


“Sure, I’d be glad to.” Sora smiled.


“Fabulous, we should leave now as not to miss the free meal and festivities.” Shino glanced at Daisuke. “Would you like to join us as well, Daisuke Ikari?”


Dai smiled sadly, shaking his head. “I’m afraid not. I still have yet to find my teammates.”


“That is unfortunate.” He turned to Sora offering her his arm. “Shall we depart?”


She took his arm. “We shall.” She waved to Daisuke. “See you later, Dai!”


“See ya!” Daisuke grinned as he watched them leave from sight when they turned the corner.


He cursed mentally when something dawned on him. I still don’t know where my team went.


Little did he know that a dark figure draped in a black cloak with red clouds was watching him intently from outside. The figure smirked to himself. It is time to tie down the loose ends.


MWUUUUHAHA!!!! Evil cliff hangers prevail once again! I’m so dastardly aren’t I? Who is this Akatsuki member stalking Daisuke and what does he want with him? You just might find out next chapter! Read and review!