Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight ❯ The Secrets of Hoseki no Yama ( Chapter 9 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Haru Mclean Namikaze 
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 349 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.4K | Visits: 349 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 3:The Secrets of the Hoseki no Yama [- Jewel Mountain.
-It was one fine day at Konoha. The sun was shining brightly, lighting up the pure blue sky that was free of clouds. The cherry blossoms of spring were decorating the landscapes, making the foliage a beautiful view of mixed colors, and ranging from green to yellow to red to pink. The petals pirouetted around in the air and danced around the place, lighting up the atmosphere.
But despite the very serene and beautiful surroundings, the smell and essence of war is present in every corner. Ninjas waiting for their leaders to come and instruct them on what to do stood around in the town square. The chattering of people around the place was heard and even though it was war, the people fortunately still managed to get on with daily life, thanks to the nins who are risking their lives to protect and guard Konoha from outsiders.
"Okay guys, listen up!" called Shikamaru as they arrived along with the jounins, the kages and the four leaders of the Tasogare country. "Today we're gonna go to Hoseki no Yama, the Jewel of Konoha, the mountain where we will base and train. Now I expect everybody to have settled their affairs by now. You were given two days' time and that's more that what you need to do so. I will expect you guys to show professionalism with this. I wont tolerate mistakes or faults so learn to be product-oriented and analyze what you're gonna do and its effects around you before you do it. And most of all, I don't want ANY of you to do something that will put everything and everyone in jeopardy, okay?"
"Hai," answered a chorus of voices from the crowd.
"Good. Now we won't waste any more time," said Sasuke. Then he performed several seals, the same seals he used to open the portal to Konoha before. He did almost the same thing, except he drew out "Hoseki no Yama" instead of "Konohagakure". The portal big enough to fit a tree in opened and one by one the nins entered the portal to the other side. When all nins had entered, some of the jounins followed, and then Shikamaru, Ino, Neji, Hinata, Sakura, Sasuke, Naruto, Chouji, Shino, Kiba and Lee entered and then the portal closed.
"I hope what they're doing is rightÉ" sighed the Raikage. "I really don't think letting the teens make the decisions. They're way too young and inexperienced."
"There's no other choice, Raikage. We just have to put our faith in them and protect ourselves and Konoha while they're gone."
"Wait. What if the enemies attack here? What orders did Shikamaru leave?" asked Anko.
"Yami-sama consented to take everybody to Tasogare via portal if we cannot hold up anymore," answered one Tasogare nin behind them. They turned to look at the girl nin. "Yami-hime-sama taught somebody how to open the portal for you, don't worry." Then she paused. "I'm late. They left. I'll just have to go there by myselfÉ sighÉ"
She made the same seals Sasuke used and drew "Hoseki no Yama" and then a portal opened. She hopped through and the portal closed.
SilenceÉ
"What a weird girl," muttered Anko.
á---------á
The nins marveled at the sight of their new home. Obviously it was inside a cave, yet it had sunlight pouring through several gaps that can be blocked if necessary. The stone floor was smooth and cold, yet it was carpeted with gold and silver carpeting. There were sofas, tables, cushions, beanbags and two fireplaces. There were stacked board games; there were books in some shelves, some displays, and several study tables. It was like a vast and spread living room.
The room was circular. On the eastern wall portion, there was a large wooden and heavy-looking door, larger than the other ones. The north and south portion of the wall had a fireplace each and several shelves. The west section was composed of 8 normal sized doors.
"This is the common room. You can mingle here at night, you can study, you can play board games or rest here, suit yourself," said Shikamaru. He touched the wall over the southern fireplace and pushed, then the slab of stone adjusted and out came endless shelves of books all around, and there was a sliding ladder to use. "There are many reference books."
"Then this doorÉ" said Shikamaru, pushing the slab of stone again and making the shelves disappear behind the stones, and he went to the huge door. "This door leads to the different headquarters and work area around the mountain. This is the only way out, unless you count those gaps at the roof and the portal. If you walk through you'll see it branches out to several passages. Don't worry, the passages are labeled so you wont get lost."
"Meanwhile these doors leads to your respective rooms," explained Sakura, pointing to the 6 other doors. "The seventh door will be for us. Basically we will fend for ourselves here since the jounins will only visit every once in a while, and they will go back to Konoha via portal since they have the job to protect the kages as well." She paused, then went on. "About your rooms, you will be eleven in one door. But don't worry, its divided." Sakura opened one door to reveal a carpeted passage illuminated by sunlight from gaps as well. There were doors on either side, 5 on the left and 5 on the right and then one on the last. There were stone jutting out above each door and between them, indicating that there were Chakra Candles there during night. [- Chakra Candles are lights like candles that turn on one somebody approaches it, but it only does at night. They are activated by the nature chakra and the person's chakra. The nature chakra is the natural energy emitted by nature, and it tells whether its day or night. The person's chakraÉ is the person's chakra! When somebody approaches the jutting stones at night, and the Chakra Candle feels the person's chakra, it lights up, but then dies down when the person gets at a specific distance. I invented the term and some things, but this technology was really used by ninjas before in early times when they had to hide in caves. -
"There is a separate bathroom for each room so you need not worry. Now, we'll assign you to your doors and rooms. The first number I will say is the door number then the second one is the room number," said Shikamaru. He proceeded.
"Resha, 1-1. Shinja 1-2. Ayano 1-3É" said Shikamaru. It went on until everybody had a room. "Now, everybody, take your bags to your rooms, unpack and settle down, then we'll talk of the plans."
Naruto bounded to his and Hinata's room. Sasuke and Sakura shared one room as well.
"Hey Shika, where's the kitchen?" asked Ino.
"Kitchen? The eighth door. But we will only cook there, we wont eat there. We wont fit. We will serve the food here in the common room. Buffet style," replied Shikamaru, rubbing his temples. Then he raised his voice for everybody to hear. "I will be giving you 5 hours of leisure! Then in the afternoon we will proceed!" [- The five hours are from 7-12 AM. -
"Shika-kun, you've been spending too much time thinking about things," shushed Ino. "And now what do you get? Migraine."
"Shika, we're in the last room," called Sasuke, pulling Sakura along to the last room. Naruto and Hinata took the room left of Sasuke and Sakura. Neji took the room right of Sasuke. Then next to Neji is Tenten, then Shino, then Shika, and then the one who got the first room on the right was Ino. Next to Naruto was Lee, then Kiba, then Chouji and then the brothers Shuta and Kogure.
á---------á
"This is sure unlike what I expected," smiled Yoshinari Reiko, stretching in the common room.
"Yeah, I expected something rough and rugged," replied the older sister Yoshinari Keiko.
"Don't wish for something worse, nee-chan, we're fine with this, just be thankful," smiled Yoshinari Meiko. The three girls were triplets, but Keiko was older than Reiko by a minute, while Reiko was older than Meiko by a minute as well. All three had brown hair, but they had different eyes. Keiko had brown eyes, Reiko had sky blue eyes, and Meiko had light green eyes. Keiko's hair was up to her butt and was up in a high pony, much like Ino's but only there were two fringes framing her face. Reiko had a geisha cut hair half an inch past her chin. Meiko had wavy waist-length hair always in two braids.
Meanwhile Aira's twin older brother, Taira Shinju, came out of room 6. Room 6 was full of assassins. Aside from the 9 assassins in there, Hyuuga Hanabi and Shourai Ami, younger sister of two of the assassins and was also one heck of a cold hearted killer, were there as well. Taira Shinju had smooth and straight black hair like her sister, and he had that horse style ponytail. He also had spiky hair and two fringes up front of his face. He had the same hair and eye color as his sister. He sank down into one cushion and closed his eyes.
"Meditating probably," muttered Reiko. "Let him be, it's not wise to get in trouble with assassins and mercenaries."
"You said itÉ" muttered Meiko.
"Hey you three there could you stop calling us assassins, we have names you know," said Shinju suddenly, surprising the triplets. He never opened his eyes or moved from his position.
"ErÉ gomen thenÉ" muttered Keiko. Shinju just waved his hand dismissively.
"Hey, Asano-san, have you read about that new article about the new potion that can cure any disease?" asked a boy with silvery white hair sticking out in al directions and had black eyes and glasses whose name was Shiro Yuki.
"Yeah, its quite unbelievable though," answered a boy with chocolate brown hair and amber eyes. [- Not Syaoran, people. Not Syaoran. - "I know every medicine has its own side-effects. And how many times do I have to tell you, call me by my name, not by surname!"
"I wonder why the leaders let us so much leisure time? 5 hours!" Amamiya Dujin wondered aloud.
"Don't complain, Dujin, that's actually a nice thing," Kashin Rai replied.
"I wonder when training will start. Cant we at least get outta here and work some muscles?" grumbled Aira.
"Don't fret. We can't do anything. Since the leaders are the ones who know the place, we have no advantage at all. We might get lost if we get out. And besides, they'll get angry. They didn't really allow us to go outside," Aikawa said serenely, his expression still inexpressive and impassive. "How about a game of chess?"
"Do," said Aira, flopping up from her cushion and going closer to the table, while Aikawa set out the pieces. "I'm white."
á---------á
Shikamaru groaned. "OhÉ my headÉ shitÉ" he whined. Ino entered the room and shook her head at Shikamaru, closing the door.
"That's what you get for being so smart, Shika," muttered Ino. "You want a massage?" she offered, getting on the bed and laying his head on her lap. Shikamaru's face expression was inexpressible through words. His face couldn't be painted. His face was contorted into pain.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," muttered Ino. She started massaging his head slowly soothing him in and out.
Slowly, but by bit, Shikamaru felt the pain leave. Soon, the only thing he can feel was Ino's supple fingers and hands massaging his head, moving slowly, soothing him through. Ino continued massaging him through his hair, enjoying the feel of his hair on her hands. Soon enough, Shikamaru fell asleep. Ino smiled contentedly of having helped her close friend. She laid his head back on the pillow and attempted to stand up to leave but an arm hooked around her waist before she can act. She gasped in surprise turning around to see Shika awake.
"Where are you going? Stay here," he said groggily.
"I wanna sleep too Shika-kun," smiled Ino.
"Then sleep here," reasoned out Shika. "C'mon, before my head hurts againÉ" He pulled Ino down on the bed beside him and then he wrapped his arms around her. Ino was shocked at first, but then slowly relaxed as she succumbed into what her body was aching for. She wanted his warmth and his embrace.
"ShikaÉkunÉ I'll justÉ lock the door," breathed Ino. Shika loosened his hug enough for her to slip out. Ino locked Shika's door. Then she slowly went back to Shika. Shika enveloped her in a cocoon of warmth.
What's this? IÉ I feel so warmÉ so protectedÉ luxuriousÉ Shika-kunÉ IÉ how can he do this? How come he's the one who can make me feel like this?Shika-kunÉ I really don't understandÉ I'm notÉ am I? I'm not sureÉ but maybeÉ maybeÉ its possibleÉ maybe I am in love with himÉ
Ino shifted and wrapped her own arms around Shikamaru's chest, snuggling closer. Soon enough, both of them fell asleep contentedly beside each other, with angelic looks on both their faces.
á---------á
"What news have you got, Kabuto?" asked a deep voice from the shadows.
"Its been confirmed that they are well and alive, I just don't know where they are right nowÉ" replied Kabuto, adjusting his glasses. Orochimaru hissed in frustration.
"And to think that I thought they were all dead. Halt all the armies, we need new plans," ordered Orochimaru.
"Kisume, have you got news on my intelligent otouto?" asked Itachi, looking over at the figure standing before him.
"It is said that they are alive, Itachi-sama. Your brother is alive, along with his cherry-blossom, the fox-boy and the medic girl. They came back to Konoha a few days ago. Saw them with my own eyes," replied Kisume.
"Is there anything new to the eye, Kisume?"
"He has become stronger, sire. I can see a new light in his eyes. I don't know exactly how strong he is, but he has become stronger. Way more stronger than before, when he left his hometown," whispered Kisume.
"We'll see about that, KisumeÉ we'll see about thatÉ"
"In the meantime, I want you to find out where they are, KabutoÉ" ordered Orochimaru, throwing the kunai he was holding at the wall suddenly and so forcefully that the wooden wall's surface splintered. Kabuto immediately nodded and disappeared with a puff of smoke. A good right hand knows when to disappearÉ
"What are they planning! What are they up to!" hissed Orochimaru in frustration. They are making me feel uneasyÉ what are they doing? For all I knowÉ
á---------á
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Silence.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Silence.
"DAMMIT, SHIKAMARU, WAKE UP!" yelled a certain blonde and blue eyed boy, being restrained by a raven haired boy from distinctively destroying the perfectly polished and sculptured narra door costing thousands.
"Huh?" snapped Shikamaru groggily, suddenly awakening from the noise. He felt something warm and delicate beside him. He looked down only to see his beloved Ino snuggled comfortably into his chest, her arms around his waist. Shikamaru smiled serenely. If only I could tell you, InoÉBut I cant right nowÉ I don't have what it takesÉ
"Ino, wake up. We have a meeting. Wake up," Shikamaru said, shaking Ino awake.
"MmmÉ Shika-kun?" she said, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "Oh yeahÉ I fell asleep, didn't I? Oh wellÉ its time for the meeting nowÉ" she yawned, looking at the clock and blinking cutely several times. Shikamaru sat up and smirked at her before standing up out of the bed and rearranging his ponytail and straightening his clothes. Ino followed suit.
"What are you smirking at, Shika?" asked Ino innocently.
"Nuthin," replied Shikamaru, whistling while waiting for Ino to finish combing her now untied hair. She tied it back into a ponytail and combed it again several times before settling.
"There! All done!" smiled Ino.
"SHIKAMARU, IF YOU DON'T GET OUTTA THERE THIS INSTANT, FORGIVE ME FOR WHAT I WILL DO!" hollered Naruto from outside.
Ino sighed. "Obnoxious as usual," she said, shaking her head. Then she hollered back, "DAMMIT, NARUTO, IF YOU WONT STOP BEING OBNOXIOUS ALL THE TIME I WILL RIP YOUR VOCAL CHORDS OFF YOUR STUPID THROAT!"
Shikamaru smirked. One day, I will tell you. And when that day comes, I will have accomplished all my goals except that one part concerning to make you mineÉ Shikamaru opened the door to reveal a fuming Naruto being held by a frustrated Neji and an infuriated Sasuke. Sakura was rolling on the floor laughing, while several nins serving as onlookers giggled and smirked at the view.
"What's the big deal, making a racket in front of my door?" Shikamaru asked with a lazy tone. Naruto fumed.
"N-naruto-kun, that's enough nowÉ we need to go," smiled Hinata, sweat dropping at the same time.
"Wait, what is Ino-pig-chan doing in your room, Shikamaru?" asked Sakura.
"WellÉ" Shikamaru started, blushing slightly and scratching his head.
"Look, I offered him a massage earlier since his head was hurting and then he fell asleep on the bed and then I fell asleep as well. Clear now? Good. Now no more questions," Ino said, altering the true happenings. Sakura saw that she was not being honest, but then she let it pass. Maybe its just something personalÉ even if I can read her mind, I wont, I'm not that evil to invade her private placeÉ
"People, please assemble in the common room now!" called out Sasuke. The nins withdrew from the door leading to the passage that held the doors to their rooms and went back to their previous seats and places in the common room, which was now packed with different nins all with 3 things in common[1 they had a big duty to fulfill; [2 they all work for the 6 countries; and [3 they all are talented, exceptional and inimitable.
The gang of leaders walked out to the center of the room. Sasuke glanced over to Shikamaru, who nodded in reply. But before Shikamaru can speak, a girl with light blue hair and cyan eyes about 3 years younger than the rest of them bounded out of the crowd. She was wearing an outfit almost exactly like Sakura's. a halter top dress that had a hole in her belly that showed her navel, also with a high slit on one side.
"Nee-chan!" she cheered, running to Sakura and throwing herself over Sakura, hugging her in the middle.
"Ayumi-chan, how did you get here?" asked Sakura, patting the girl's head.
"I used the portal. I woke up late and I just found out from Aya-nee-chan that you already left so I just followed! I was searching for you in the whole of Konoha for days! When I found the town, they said you just left, so I followed here!" she smiled, proud of what she's done.
"You mean you've mastered the portal technique already?" asked Sasuke, raising an eyebrow.
"Not that much yet, nii-chan!" smiled Ayumi.
"Well then I think we'll find some time to train you more here," smiled Sakura. Ayumi cheered and nodded, her pigtails bobbing playfully.
"ErmÉ excuse me, but who is this girl?" asked Ino.
"Oh gomen, I forgot to introduce, this is Hamazaki Ayumi, she was an orphan, but we adopted her to the castle then. I just couldn't resist," smiled Sakura. "Ever since then she was my little sister."
"Oh. Okay."
"Can we get on with it now?" asked Shikamaru. Sasuke nodded.
"Okay. I'll announce what each department will do for now. You will continue to do as instructed today, until further instructions, that is," started Shikamaru. "I want the Weaponry department to make new weapons and innovations for our nins to use. Be inventive and use your minds. Tenten, your department head, will be the one to decide how she will manage the division of works. For the Medic team, I want you to coordinate with the Chemists to produce antidotes for the most common and most uncommon poisons known to ninjas. You can coordinate with Shino and Ino for further details. I also want some Chemists to help along with the Weaponry department, if in case they need help. Now for the Traps department, I want you to devise new traps, techniques and disguises and train within the span of 4 days' time. Then we'll send you out to steal some of their new weapons and snuck in some info about their whereabouts and what they've been up to lately. For the Logistics, I want you guys to study and take in as much info as you can about our enemy and learn all new tactics to defeat them. For the Jutsu Masters and Open Field Battle department, I want you to collaborate in training. Improve yourselves; you'll be very vital here. And lastly, for the SSA, you will be under intense secretive training with Neji, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and sometimes Hinata, coz she will also be monitoring the Medics department, her specialty. Now is everything clear?"
"Hai," came a chorus of voices from the crowd.
"Good. Now please approach your division heads for more info and instructions," said Shikamaru. Instantly, the nins obediently went over to their division heads. The SSA looked an unpleasant lot to the ordinary eye, but if you look closer, they were actually kind as long as you are kind to them.
Tenten waited patiently for her subordinates to come over. They slowly sat in front of her, silently waiting for her next instructions. When she saw that everybody else was there already, she stood up from her leaning position on the wall and started to speak.
"Now you guysÉ I want you to do your work diligently, okay? I'm not that kind of leader that doesn't care about her subordinates as long as we reach the goal. I'm not like that. I am strict when it comes to work, and I don't like to beat around the bush. I want you to be frank and straightforward, but only in the right circumstances. You must know when to speak and how to speak. So you guys feel free if in any case you need to contact me or ask me something."
"Now each department has a theme to follow. Ours goes like this: 'Work is work; play is play.' It goes along with my principle. I do NOT want you to mix work with play. I wont tolerate mistakes, faults or wrongdoings. I will not let them pass either. Its either you get humiliated in front of your teammates or I talk to you in private. If I were you, I'd think the first one is better than the latter. Now is that clear?"
"Hai," replied the team.
"Great. Now I'll introduce you to your new working place and headquarters," said Tenten. "Follow me, kindlyÉ"
Ino waited happily for her teammates to come over. When they were all complete, she welcomed them with a bright smile. As she smiled, one boy's eyes noticeably lit up. Shikamaru noticed this and scowled at the boy without knowing it. The boy's name was Minamoto Horo.
"Everybody, welcome to our team! I want you all to know that I am a pretty lax leader, but you'd better not disappoint me in your work or else I'll get angry. And its not always wise to get me angry ya knowÉ all my friends know thatÉ anyways, you need not to be frightened with me! I want everybody to be friendly and nice! Make new friends within this groupÉ not only in this group but also outside! I want you all to mingle and know each other!"
"Now our theme is like this: 'We place the needs of others above our own.' It's a pretty deep and hard principle, but since we are doctors/medics, we need to get used to it. We will deal with injuredÉ not to say also those severed persons, so we need to be extra kind and careful with them. So if you've got some bad traits there, better try to eliminate it or maybe you can hide it for a while now, dontcha?" asked Ino with a smile. Her teammates smiled as well and nodded. This group seemed a happy and kind lot compared to all the other groups.
Lee flexed his fingers excitedly as, one by one, his trainees came in front of him. Now I get to be the master!
"Okay guys, please settle downÉ" called Lee. His teammates obediently sat down. "Now if you still don't know me, I am your leader. My name is Lee, and I am also called the Green Beast of Konoha!" he said with his trademark pose-and-smile. Ino sweat dropped as she caught sight of Lee. Sakura giggled uncontrollably, hanging on to Sasuke for support as she tried painstakingly to prevent her mirth from escaping, evidently failing, since most of the nins looked her way now. Sasuke raised and eyebrow and shook his head. He looped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him, patting her head with his other hand. Sakura muffled her laughter into his shirt. "I missed that funny thing!" Sasuke heard Sakura say through his shirt. He smirked.
Now back to Lee, he cleared his throat and continued to speak. "I am strict when it comes to training and I do my best to reach my goal and improve more. But you can always approach me after practice sessions. Our theme is: 'Practice is the Key'."
Chouji munched through his mantou in a corner beside Kiba, not giving a single care to the external world. [- Mantou is a long stick-like bread stuffed withÉ wellÉ stuff inside. The stuffing can be tuna, burger, chicken, bacon, egg, taco, spinachÉ etcÉ I just found that out from schoolÉ I actually don't know its origin. - Kiba sighed and sweat dropped as he watched Chouji devour his 10th mantou in a matter of a minute. Their subordinates came over and sat down in front of them. Kiba resorted to talking alone, since Chouji appearedÉ unhelpful at his current state, sprawled out on the floor, not able to move due to food overdose.
"ErÉ well, guys sorry for my increasingly unhelpful partner's behaviorÉ he's just like thatÉ sighÉ anyways, I will stand as your leader, since thisÉ worthless lump of cholesterol is currently and will continue to be always unhelpful. He only cares about food; mind youÉ so don't get near him if you have food, he'll eat it all upÉ and also, never say the word 'FAT' to him, understood? He will turn into a bull when you do thatÉ"
"Anyways, back on the topic, our theme for this department goes like this: "Be unpredictableÑnever trust too much". You must remember that always. No exceptions. Now, I'm not that strict of a leader compared to my colleagues, but I think Ino is still laxer than I am soÉ we wont have any problems with thatÉ I hope. I am open to criticisms and suggestions ya knowÉ anyways, if ya have something to protest about, I don't want you barging straight to Shikamaru, Sakura, Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke OR the Jounins, CLEAR? They've got enough in their mind so to stop you from interfering more and making things more complicated. So go straight to me and ONLY to me, and we'll see if the problem can still be resolved within the group. If not, then that's the time we go over to the superiors. Is that understood?"
"Hai," answered back the nins.
"Well then that's great! That about wraps up my speech for ya guys!"
Shuta and Kogure were talking in more silent than silent whispers while waiting for their teammates, whatever they're talking about a mystery. One by one their subordinates and inferiors settled down in front of them and once they were all complete, Shuta, the older and the more prolific speaker came up front.
"Guys, you may well know that we are from Tasogare, so some of you might not trust us or have faith in us as your leaders for the while. But then we wish that you guys give us a chance to prove ourselves."
"Don't worry, we're not that cold and icyÉ unlike those assassins," Kogure finished in a silent whisper. "We're easy to talk to and to contact, and if you have any problems, please approach us right away. Its better to solve them as early as possible. And we're only very strict in training, so outside training you have nothing to worry about. Okay?"
"Okay," replied the 8 nins in front of them.
"Good. Now our theme goes like this: "Master one's abilities as much as possible". Your abilities weren't given to you guys for you to keep it in and unused. I want you to give it all out and use it in this battle for our army's advantage. I want you to cooperate and collaborate with the OFB Department [- Open Field Battle - coz they're the ones we'll be seeing more often."
Shino waited silently and patiently as his trainees came forward before him and sat down. As all 8 nins came forward, he opened his eyes. He surveyed them with unwavering, sharp and piercing eyes of his.
"You guys. I will explain to you everything in 3 phrases. Clean and Perfect; Silent and Subtle; Sincere and Honest. That's the qualities of work I want. Clear?"
"Hai."
"Now I am a very strict leader, but I don't say much. This might well be the longest speech I will have in my whole life. I am unpredictable, so verify my mood first before approaching me. I might just well hurt you if you get well near enough of my 2 meter radius limit without permission. Is everything clear, you guys?"
"Hai."
"The theme is: "As perfect as possible". Bear those things in mind."
Shikamaru stayed put waiting for his trainees. He smirked as they came forward. He scrutinized them, and they all looked respectably nice. Most of the tacticiansÉ shall we say logistics officers didn't really look that smart outside, but Shikamaru can see right through the faade and he knew that under the masks were brilliant and unprecedented minds of intelligence.
"I'm particularly an easy leader, and I'm lazy, I admit, but I'm not that lazy when it comes to serious things. You can always approach me when you need anything or whatever. Everything in our department will be simple. We will work together to find new techniques and tactics. Then we will organize the troop movements and we will place the commands. Think of this war as a game of chess with the rule touch-move. Is everything clear now?"
"Hai."
"Good. By the way, the theme is: "Concentration and Meditation always". Remember to meditate and clear your mind. That's vital."
Neji glared piercingly as his subordinates came forward, some faces neutral and blank, some faces serene and unpredictable, some eyes calm and composed, some blank, and some glaring back at him.
"You guys all know that this department is the strictest and most tedious of all. So I don't want nobody to go and run around complaining about the rules in this department, which will be completely different from the others. I want you to remember NOT to compare US to those others, coz we're up in a way higher level than any of them. Clear?"
"Hai."
"I am a strict leader and I will do anything to bring out everything inside you, maybe even drive you way up higher than your limit, which is what we are targeting right now and which is not impossible. Rule #1: Play is play, work is work. No one mixes them together here. Rule #2: Respect. Nobody answers or says anything rude to superiors. Rule #3: Nobody will complain if you get hurt. You WILL get hurt here every single day. Rule #4: Excel far more off your limit. Don't compare us to others. Bear those in mind, people."
"Now the theme is simple. 3 words only. "Swift, Clean and Perfect". When you take the kill, make it swift, faster than the blink of an eye; clean, leave no space for evidence or proof against you; perfect, make no mistakes, no hesitations. You only take the kill if you are sure you can do it. I think that's simple enough for you guys."
á---------á
"Everything's running perfect, Sasuke-kun," whispered Sakura, snuggling into Sasuke's chest later that night while they were in bed.
"I have everything as I want. Everything is going according to plan. I want it this wayÉ" sighed Sasuke. "Its been a tiring day, my cherry blossomÉ lets sleep now, hn?"
"MmmÉ Oyasumi, Sasuke-kunÉ AishiteruÉ" [- Goodnight. Don't tell me I still have to say the meaning of aishiteru! -
"Oyasumi, koiÉ aishiteruÉ"
á---------á
Naruto and Hinata lay peacefully on their King size bed, silently pondering about the upcoming war. Hinata suddenly snuggled up closer (if possible) to Naruto.
"Whassamatter, Hinata-chan?"
"Its cold, Naruto-kunÉ"
"OhÉ HereÉ" Naruto looped his arm under Hinata, his hand cradling her head to his chest and his other arm looped around her waist comfortably. He tangled his legs with hers and rubbed slightly, in the thought of warming her up. "Is that better, Hinata-chan?"
"MmmÉ Oyasumi, Naruto-kunÉ ArigatoÉ"
"No prob! Oyasumi, Hinata-chan!" smiled Naruto, lifting her chin up slightly and kissing her lightly on the lips before burying his head into her hair, breathing in her scent and marveling silently in the moonlight, laying awake beside his beloved's sleeping form.
á---------á
"Orochimaru-sama, I got information that they headed for a certain place to trainÉ I heard while spying on several Konoha ninsÉ" started Kabuto.
"Where?" Orochimaru asked.
"Hoseki no Konoha, sir," answered Kisume.
"How long will it take us to go there?" asked Itachi.
"About 2 weeks," said Kabuto, adjusting his glasses. "Its pretty far off from the central. I am wondering how they got there so fast, thoughÉ they must have used some kind of trick or teleporting technique or somethingÉ"
"Don't fret about that, Kabuto, we must get there as fast as possible, and the minimum is 2 weeks. Order the armies there at once," Orochimaru barked. "We will get you, Konoha eliteÉ"
-It was one fine day at Konoha. The sun was shining brightly, lighting up the pure blue sky that was free of clouds. The cherry blossoms of spring were decorating the landscapes, making the foliage a beautiful view of mixed colors, and ranging from green to yellow to red to pink. The petals pirouetted around in the air and danced around the place, lighting up the atmosphere.
But despite the very serene and beautiful surroundings, the smell and essence of war is present in every corner. Ninjas waiting for their leaders to come and instruct them on what to do stood around in the town square. The chattering of people around the place was heard and even though it was war, the people fortunately still managed to get on with daily life, thanks to the nins who are risking their lives to protect and guard Konoha from outsiders.
"Okay guys, listen up!" called Shikamaru as they arrived along with the jounins, the kages and the four leaders of the Tasogare country. "Today we're gonna go to Hoseki no Yama, the Jewel of Konoha, the mountain where we will base and train. Now I expect everybody to have settled their affairs by now. You were given two days' time and that's more that what you need to do so. I will expect you guys to show professionalism with this. I wont tolerate mistakes or faults so learn to be product-oriented and analyze what you're gonna do and its effects around you before you do it. And most of all, I don't want ANY of you to do something that will put everything and everyone in jeopardy, okay?"
"Hai," answered a chorus of voices from the crowd.
"Good. Now we won't waste any more time," said Sasuke. Then he performed several seals, the same seals he used to open the portal to Konoha before. He did almost the same thing, except he drew out "Hoseki no Yama" instead of "Konohagakure". The portal big enough to fit a tree in opened and one by one the nins entered the portal to the other side. When all nins had entered, some of the jounins followed, and then Shikamaru, Ino, Neji, Hinata, Sakura, Sasuke, Naruto, Chouji, Shino, Kiba and Lee entered and then the portal closed.
"I hope what they're doing is rightÉ" sighed the Raikage. "I really don't think letting the teens make the decisions. They're way too young and inexperienced."
"There's no other choice, Raikage. We just have to put our faith in them and protect ourselves and Konoha while they're gone."
"Wait. What if the enemies attack here? What orders did Shikamaru leave?" asked Anko.
"Yami-sama consented to take everybody to Tasogare via portal if we cannot hold up anymore," answered one Tasogare nin behind them. They turned to look at the girl nin. "Yami-hime-sama taught somebody how to open the portal for you, don't worry." Then she paused. "I'm late. They left. I'll just have to go there by myselfÉ sighÉ"
She made the same seals Sasuke used and drew "Hoseki no Yama" and then a portal opened. She hopped through and the portal closed.
SilenceÉ
"What a weird girl," muttered Anko.
á---------á
The nins marveled at the sight of their new home. Obviously it was inside a cave, yet it had sunlight pouring through several gaps that can be blocked if necessary. The stone floor was smooth and cold, yet it was carpeted with gold and silver carpeting. There were sofas, tables, cushions, beanbags and two fireplaces. There were stacked board games; there were books in some shelves, some displays, and several study tables. It was like a vast and spread living room.
The room was circular. On the eastern wall portion, there was a large wooden and heavy-looking door, larger than the other ones. The north and south portion of the wall had a fireplace each and several shelves. The west section was composed of 8 normal sized doors.
"This is the common room. You can mingle here at night, you can study, you can play board games or rest here, suit yourself," said Shikamaru. He touched the wall over the southern fireplace and pushed, then the slab of stone adjusted and out came endless shelves of books all around, and there was a sliding ladder to use. "There are many reference books."
"Then this doorÉ" said Shikamaru, pushing the slab of stone again and making the shelves disappear behind the stones, and he went to the huge door. "This door leads to the different headquarters and work area around the mountain. This is the only way out, unless you count those gaps at the roof and the portal. If you walk through you'll see it branches out to several passages. Don't worry, the passages are labeled so you wont get lost."
"Meanwhile these doors leads to your respective rooms," explained Sakura, pointing to the 6 other doors. "The seventh door will be for us. Basically we will fend for ourselves here since the jounins will only visit every once in a while, and they will go back to Konoha via portal since they have the job to protect the kages as well." She paused, then went on. "About your rooms, you will be eleven in one door. But don't worry, its divided." Sakura opened one door to reveal a carpeted passage illuminated by sunlight from gaps as well. There were doors on either side, 5 on the left and 5 on the right and then one on the last. There were stone jutting out above each door and between them, indicating that there were Chakra Candles there during night. [- Chakra Candles are lights like candles that turn on one somebody approaches it, but it only does at night. They are activated by the nature chakra and the person's chakra. The nature chakra is the natural energy emitted by nature, and it tells whether its day or night. The person's chakraÉ is the person's chakra! When somebody approaches the jutting stones at night, and the Chakra Candle feels the person's chakra, it lights up, but then dies down when the person gets at a specific distance. I invented the term and some things, but this technology was really used by ninjas before in early times when they had to hide in caves. -
"There is a separate bathroom for each room so you need not worry. Now, we'll assign you to your doors and rooms. The first number I will say is the door number then the second one is the room number," said Shikamaru. He proceeded.
"Resha, 1-1. Shinja 1-2. Ayano 1-3É" said Shikamaru. It went on until everybody had a room. "Now, everybody, take your bags to your rooms, unpack and settle down, then we'll talk of the plans."
Naruto bounded to his and Hinata's room. Sasuke and Sakura shared one room as well.
"Hey Shika, where's the kitchen?" asked Ino.
"Kitchen? The eighth door. But we will only cook there, we wont eat there. We wont fit. We will serve the food here in the common room. Buffet style," replied Shikamaru, rubbing his temples. Then he raised his voice for everybody to hear. "I will be giving you 5 hours of leisure! Then in the afternoon we will proceed!" [- The five hours are from 7-12 AM. -
"Shika-kun, you've been spending too much time thinking about things," shushed Ino. "And now what do you get? Migraine."
"Shika, we're in the last room," called Sasuke, pulling Sakura along to the last room. Naruto and Hinata took the room left of Sasuke and Sakura. Neji took the room right of Sasuke. Then next to Neji is Tenten, then Shino, then Shika, and then the one who got the first room on the right was Ino. Next to Naruto was Lee, then Kiba, then Chouji and then the brothers Shuta and Kogure.
á---------á
"This is sure unlike what I expected," smiled Yoshinari Reiko, stretching in the common room.
"Yeah, I expected something rough and rugged," replied the older sister Yoshinari Keiko.
"Don't wish for something worse, nee-chan, we're fine with this, just be thankful," smiled Yoshinari Meiko. The three girls were triplets, but Keiko was older than Reiko by a minute, while Reiko was older than Meiko by a minute as well. All three had brown hair, but they had different eyes. Keiko had brown eyes, Reiko had sky blue eyes, and Meiko had light green eyes. Keiko's hair was up to her butt and was up in a high pony, much like Ino's but only there were two fringes framing her face. Reiko had a geisha cut hair half an inch past her chin. Meiko had wavy waist-length hair always in two braids.
Meanwhile Aira's twin older brother, Taira Shinju, came out of room 6. Room 6 was full of assassins. Aside from the 9 assassins in there, Hyuuga Hanabi and Shourai Ami, younger sister of two of the assassins and was also one heck of a cold hearted killer, were there as well. Taira Shinju had smooth and straight black hair like her sister, and he had that horse style ponytail. He also had spiky hair and two fringes up front of his face. He had the same hair and eye color as his sister. He sank down into one cushion and closed his eyes.
"Meditating probably," muttered Reiko. "Let him be, it's not wise to get in trouble with assassins and mercenaries."
"You said itÉ" muttered Meiko.
"Hey you three there could you stop calling us assassins, we have names you know," said Shinju suddenly, surprising the triplets. He never opened his eyes or moved from his position.
"ErÉ gomen thenÉ" muttered Keiko. Shinju just waved his hand dismissively.
"Hey, Asano-san, have you read about that new article about the new potion that can cure any disease?" asked a boy with silvery white hair sticking out in al directions and had black eyes and glasses whose name was Shiro Yuki.
"Yeah, its quite unbelievable though," answered a boy with chocolate brown hair and amber eyes. [- Not Syaoran, people. Not Syaoran. - "I know every medicine has its own side-effects. And how many times do I have to tell you, call me by my name, not by surname!"
"I wonder why the leaders let us so much leisure time? 5 hours!" Amamiya Dujin wondered aloud.
"Don't complain, Dujin, that's actually a nice thing," Kashin Rai replied.
"I wonder when training will start. Cant we at least get outta here and work some muscles?" grumbled Aira.
"Don't fret. We can't do anything. Since the leaders are the ones who know the place, we have no advantage at all. We might get lost if we get out. And besides, they'll get angry. They didn't really allow us to go outside," Aikawa said serenely, his expression still inexpressive and impassive. "How about a game of chess?"
"Do," said Aira, flopping up from her cushion and going closer to the table, while Aikawa set out the pieces. "I'm white."
á---------á
Shikamaru groaned. "OhÉ my headÉ shitÉ" he whined. Ino entered the room and shook her head at Shikamaru, closing the door.
"That's what you get for being so smart, Shika," muttered Ino. "You want a massage?" she offered, getting on the bed and laying his head on her lap. Shikamaru's face expression was inexpressible through words. His face couldn't be painted. His face was contorted into pain.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," muttered Ino. She started massaging his head slowly soothing him in and out.
Slowly, but by bit, Shikamaru felt the pain leave. Soon, the only thing he can feel was Ino's supple fingers and hands massaging his head, moving slowly, soothing him through. Ino continued massaging him through his hair, enjoying the feel of his hair on her hands. Soon enough, Shikamaru fell asleep. Ino smiled contentedly of having helped her close friend. She laid his head back on the pillow and attempted to stand up to leave but an arm hooked around her waist before she can act. She gasped in surprise turning around to see Shika awake.
"Where are you going? Stay here," he said groggily.
"I wanna sleep too Shika-kun," smiled Ino.
"Then sleep here," reasoned out Shika. "C'mon, before my head hurts againÉ" He pulled Ino down on the bed beside him and then he wrapped his arms around her. Ino was shocked at first, but then slowly relaxed as she succumbed into what her body was aching for. She wanted his warmth and his embrace.
"ShikaÉkunÉ I'll justÉ lock the door," breathed Ino. Shika loosened his hug enough for her to slip out. Ino locked Shika's door. Then she slowly went back to Shika. Shika enveloped her in a cocoon of warmth.
What's this? IÉ I feel so warmÉ so protectedÉ luxuriousÉ Shika-kunÉ IÉ how can he do this? How come he's the one who can make me feel like this?Shika-kunÉ I really don't understandÉ I'm notÉ am I? I'm not sureÉ but maybeÉ maybeÉ its possibleÉ maybe I am in love with himÉ
Ino shifted and wrapped her own arms around Shikamaru's chest, snuggling closer. Soon enough, both of them fell asleep contentedly beside each other, with angelic looks on both their faces.
á---------á
"What news have you got, Kabuto?" asked a deep voice from the shadows.
"Its been confirmed that they are well and alive, I just don't know where they are right nowÉ" replied Kabuto, adjusting his glasses. Orochimaru hissed in frustration.
"And to think that I thought they were all dead. Halt all the armies, we need new plans," ordered Orochimaru.
"Kisume, have you got news on my intelligent otouto?" asked Itachi, looking over at the figure standing before him.
"It is said that they are alive, Itachi-sama. Your brother is alive, along with his cherry-blossom, the fox-boy and the medic girl. They came back to Konoha a few days ago. Saw them with my own eyes," replied Kisume.
"Is there anything new to the eye, Kisume?"
"He has become stronger, sire. I can see a new light in his eyes. I don't know exactly how strong he is, but he has become stronger. Way more stronger than before, when he left his hometown," whispered Kisume.
"We'll see about that, KisumeÉ we'll see about thatÉ"
"In the meantime, I want you to find out where they are, KabutoÉ" ordered Orochimaru, throwing the kunai he was holding at the wall suddenly and so forcefully that the wooden wall's surface splintered. Kabuto immediately nodded and disappeared with a puff of smoke. A good right hand knows when to disappearÉ
"What are they planning! What are they up to!" hissed Orochimaru in frustration. They are making me feel uneasyÉ what are they doing? For all I knowÉ
á---------á
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Silence.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Silence.
"DAMMIT, SHIKAMARU, WAKE UP!" yelled a certain blonde and blue eyed boy, being restrained by a raven haired boy from distinctively destroying the perfectly polished and sculptured narra door costing thousands.
"Huh?" snapped Shikamaru groggily, suddenly awakening from the noise. He felt something warm and delicate beside him. He looked down only to see his beloved Ino snuggled comfortably into his chest, her arms around his waist. Shikamaru smiled serenely. If only I could tell you, InoÉBut I cant right nowÉ I don't have what it takesÉ
"Ino, wake up. We have a meeting. Wake up," Shikamaru said, shaking Ino awake.
"MmmÉ Shika-kun?" she said, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "Oh yeahÉ I fell asleep, didn't I? Oh wellÉ its time for the meeting nowÉ" she yawned, looking at the clock and blinking cutely several times. Shikamaru sat up and smirked at her before standing up out of the bed and rearranging his ponytail and straightening his clothes. Ino followed suit.
"What are you smirking at, Shika?" asked Ino innocently.
"Nuthin," replied Shikamaru, whistling while waiting for Ino to finish combing her now untied hair. She tied it back into a ponytail and combed it again several times before settling.
"There! All done!" smiled Ino.
"SHIKAMARU, IF YOU DON'T GET OUTTA THERE THIS INSTANT, FORGIVE ME FOR WHAT I WILL DO!" hollered Naruto from outside.
Ino sighed. "Obnoxious as usual," she said, shaking her head. Then she hollered back, "DAMMIT, NARUTO, IF YOU WONT STOP BEING OBNOXIOUS ALL THE TIME I WILL RIP YOUR VOCAL CHORDS OFF YOUR STUPID THROAT!"
Shikamaru smirked. One day, I will tell you. And when that day comes, I will have accomplished all my goals except that one part concerning to make you mineÉ Shikamaru opened the door to reveal a fuming Naruto being held by a frustrated Neji and an infuriated Sasuke. Sakura was rolling on the floor laughing, while several nins serving as onlookers giggled and smirked at the view.
"What's the big deal, making a racket in front of my door?" Shikamaru asked with a lazy tone. Naruto fumed.
"N-naruto-kun, that's enough nowÉ we need to go," smiled Hinata, sweat dropping at the same time.
"Wait, what is Ino-pig-chan doing in your room, Shikamaru?" asked Sakura.
"WellÉ" Shikamaru started, blushing slightly and scratching his head.
"Look, I offered him a massage earlier since his head was hurting and then he fell asleep on the bed and then I fell asleep as well. Clear now? Good. Now no more questions," Ino said, altering the true happenings. Sakura saw that she was not being honest, but then she let it pass. Maybe its just something personalÉ even if I can read her mind, I wont, I'm not that evil to invade her private placeÉ
"People, please assemble in the common room now!" called out Sasuke. The nins withdrew from the door leading to the passage that held the doors to their rooms and went back to their previous seats and places in the common room, which was now packed with different nins all with 3 things in common[1 they had a big duty to fulfill; [2 they all work for the 6 countries; and [3 they all are talented, exceptional and inimitable.
The gang of leaders walked out to the center of the room. Sasuke glanced over to Shikamaru, who nodded in reply. But before Shikamaru can speak, a girl with light blue hair and cyan eyes about 3 years younger than the rest of them bounded out of the crowd. She was wearing an outfit almost exactly like Sakura's. a halter top dress that had a hole in her belly that showed her navel, also with a high slit on one side.
"Nee-chan!" she cheered, running to Sakura and throwing herself over Sakura, hugging her in the middle.
"Ayumi-chan, how did you get here?" asked Sakura, patting the girl's head.
"I used the portal. I woke up late and I just found out from Aya-nee-chan that you already left so I just followed! I was searching for you in the whole of Konoha for days! When I found the town, they said you just left, so I followed here!" she smiled, proud of what she's done.
"You mean you've mastered the portal technique already?" asked Sasuke, raising an eyebrow.
"Not that much yet, nii-chan!" smiled Ayumi.
"Well then I think we'll find some time to train you more here," smiled Sakura. Ayumi cheered and nodded, her pigtails bobbing playfully.
"ErmÉ excuse me, but who is this girl?" asked Ino.
"Oh gomen, I forgot to introduce, this is Hamazaki Ayumi, she was an orphan, but we adopted her to the castle then. I just couldn't resist," smiled Sakura. "Ever since then she was my little sister."
"Oh. Okay."
"Can we get on with it now?" asked Shikamaru. Sasuke nodded.
"Okay. I'll announce what each department will do for now. You will continue to do as instructed today, until further instructions, that is," started Shikamaru. "I want the Weaponry department to make new weapons and innovations for our nins to use. Be inventive and use your minds. Tenten, your department head, will be the one to decide how she will manage the division of works. For the Medic team, I want you to coordinate with the Chemists to produce antidotes for the most common and most uncommon poisons known to ninjas. You can coordinate with Shino and Ino for further details. I also want some Chemists to help along with the Weaponry department, if in case they need help. Now for the Traps department, I want you to devise new traps, techniques and disguises and train within the span of 4 days' time. Then we'll send you out to steal some of their new weapons and snuck in some info about their whereabouts and what they've been up to lately. For the Logistics, I want you guys to study and take in as much info as you can about our enemy and learn all new tactics to defeat them. For the Jutsu Masters and Open Field Battle department, I want you to collaborate in training. Improve yourselves; you'll be very vital here. And lastly, for the SSA, you will be under intense secretive training with Neji, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and sometimes Hinata, coz she will also be monitoring the Medics department, her specialty. Now is everything clear?"
"Hai," came a chorus of voices from the crowd.
"Good. Now please approach your division heads for more info and instructions," said Shikamaru. Instantly, the nins obediently went over to their division heads. The SSA looked an unpleasant lot to the ordinary eye, but if you look closer, they were actually kind as long as you are kind to them.
Tenten waited patiently for her subordinates to come over. They slowly sat in front of her, silently waiting for her next instructions. When she saw that everybody else was there already, she stood up from her leaning position on the wall and started to speak.
"Now you guysÉ I want you to do your work diligently, okay? I'm not that kind of leader that doesn't care about her subordinates as long as we reach the goal. I'm not like that. I am strict when it comes to work, and I don't like to beat around the bush. I want you to be frank and straightforward, but only in the right circumstances. You must know when to speak and how to speak. So you guys feel free if in any case you need to contact me or ask me something."
"Now each department has a theme to follow. Ours goes like this: 'Work is work; play is play.' It goes along with my principle. I do NOT want you to mix work with play. I wont tolerate mistakes, faults or wrongdoings. I will not let them pass either. Its either you get humiliated in front of your teammates or I talk to you in private. If I were you, I'd think the first one is better than the latter. Now is that clear?"
"Hai," replied the team.
"Great. Now I'll introduce you to your new working place and headquarters," said Tenten. "Follow me, kindlyÉ"
Ino waited happily for her teammates to come over. When they were all complete, she welcomed them with a bright smile. As she smiled, one boy's eyes noticeably lit up. Shikamaru noticed this and scowled at the boy without knowing it. The boy's name was Minamoto Horo.
"Everybody, welcome to our team! I want you all to know that I am a pretty lax leader, but you'd better not disappoint me in your work or else I'll get angry. And its not always wise to get me angry ya knowÉ all my friends know thatÉ anyways, you need not to be frightened with me! I want everybody to be friendly and nice! Make new friends within this groupÉ not only in this group but also outside! I want you all to mingle and know each other!"
"Now our theme is like this: 'We place the needs of others above our own.' It's a pretty deep and hard principle, but since we are doctors/medics, we need to get used to it. We will deal with injuredÉ not to say also those severed persons, so we need to be extra kind and careful with them. So if you've got some bad traits there, better try to eliminate it or maybe you can hide it for a while now, dontcha?" asked Ino with a smile. Her teammates smiled as well and nodded. This group seemed a happy and kind lot compared to all the other groups.
Lee flexed his fingers excitedly as, one by one, his trainees came in front of him. Now I get to be the master!
"Okay guys, please settle downÉ" called Lee. His teammates obediently sat down. "Now if you still don't know me, I am your leader. My name is Lee, and I am also called the Green Beast of Konoha!" he said with his trademark pose-and-smile. Ino sweat dropped as she caught sight of Lee. Sakura giggled uncontrollably, hanging on to Sasuke for support as she tried painstakingly to prevent her mirth from escaping, evidently failing, since most of the nins looked her way now. Sasuke raised and eyebrow and shook his head. He looped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him, patting her head with his other hand. Sakura muffled her laughter into his shirt. "I missed that funny thing!" Sasuke heard Sakura say through his shirt. He smirked.
Now back to Lee, he cleared his throat and continued to speak. "I am strict when it comes to training and I do my best to reach my goal and improve more. But you can always approach me after practice sessions. Our theme is: 'Practice is the Key'."
Chouji munched through his mantou in a corner beside Kiba, not giving a single care to the external world. [- Mantou is a long stick-like bread stuffed withÉ wellÉ stuff inside. The stuffing can be tuna, burger, chicken, bacon, egg, taco, spinachÉ etcÉ I just found that out from schoolÉ I actually don't know its origin. - Kiba sighed and sweat dropped as he watched Chouji devour his 10th mantou in a matter of a minute. Their subordinates came over and sat down in front of them. Kiba resorted to talking alone, since Chouji appearedÉ unhelpful at his current state, sprawled out on the floor, not able to move due to food overdose.
"ErÉ well, guys sorry for my increasingly unhelpful partner's behaviorÉ he's just like thatÉ sighÉ anyways, I will stand as your leader, since thisÉ worthless lump of cholesterol is currently and will continue to be always unhelpful. He only cares about food; mind youÉ so don't get near him if you have food, he'll eat it all upÉ and also, never say the word 'FAT' to him, understood? He will turn into a bull when you do thatÉ"
"Anyways, back on the topic, our theme for this department goes like this: "Be unpredictableÑnever trust too much". You must remember that always. No exceptions. Now, I'm not that strict of a leader compared to my colleagues, but I think Ino is still laxer than I am soÉ we wont have any problems with thatÉ I hope. I am open to criticisms and suggestions ya knowÉ anyways, if ya have something to protest about, I don't want you barging straight to Shikamaru, Sakura, Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke OR the Jounins, CLEAR? They've got enough in their mind so to stop you from interfering more and making things more complicated. So go straight to me and ONLY to me, and we'll see if the problem can still be resolved within the group. If not, then that's the time we go over to the superiors. Is that understood?"
"Hai," answered back the nins.
"Well then that's great! That about wraps up my speech for ya guys!"
Shuta and Kogure were talking in more silent than silent whispers while waiting for their teammates, whatever they're talking about a mystery. One by one their subordinates and inferiors settled down in front of them and once they were all complete, Shuta, the older and the more prolific speaker came up front.
"Guys, you may well know that we are from Tasogare, so some of you might not trust us or have faith in us as your leaders for the while. But then we wish that you guys give us a chance to prove ourselves."
"Don't worry, we're not that cold and icyÉ unlike those assassins," Kogure finished in a silent whisper. "We're easy to talk to and to contact, and if you have any problems, please approach us right away. Its better to solve them as early as possible. And we're only very strict in training, so outside training you have nothing to worry about. Okay?"
"Okay," replied the 8 nins in front of them.
"Good. Now our theme goes like this: "Master one's abilities as much as possible". Your abilities weren't given to you guys for you to keep it in and unused. I want you to give it all out and use it in this battle for our army's advantage. I want you to cooperate and collaborate with the OFB Department [- Open Field Battle - coz they're the ones we'll be seeing more often."
Shino waited silently and patiently as his trainees came forward before him and sat down. As all 8 nins came forward, he opened his eyes. He surveyed them with unwavering, sharp and piercing eyes of his.
"You guys. I will explain to you everything in 3 phrases. Clean and Perfect; Silent and Subtle; Sincere and Honest. That's the qualities of work I want. Clear?"
"Hai."
"Now I am a very strict leader, but I don't say much. This might well be the longest speech I will have in my whole life. I am unpredictable, so verify my mood first before approaching me. I might just well hurt you if you get well near enough of my 2 meter radius limit without permission. Is everything clear, you guys?"
"Hai."
"The theme is: "As perfect as possible". Bear those things in mind."
Shikamaru stayed put waiting for his trainees. He smirked as they came forward. He scrutinized them, and they all looked respectably nice. Most of the tacticiansÉ shall we say logistics officers didn't really look that smart outside, but Shikamaru can see right through the faade and he knew that under the masks were brilliant and unprecedented minds of intelligence.
"I'm particularly an easy leader, and I'm lazy, I admit, but I'm not that lazy when it comes to serious things. You can always approach me when you need anything or whatever. Everything in our department will be simple. We will work together to find new techniques and tactics. Then we will organize the troop movements and we will place the commands. Think of this war as a game of chess with the rule touch-move. Is everything clear now?"
"Hai."
"Good. By the way, the theme is: "Concentration and Meditation always". Remember to meditate and clear your mind. That's vital."
Neji glared piercingly as his subordinates came forward, some faces neutral and blank, some faces serene and unpredictable, some eyes calm and composed, some blank, and some glaring back at him.
"You guys all know that this department is the strictest and most tedious of all. So I don't want nobody to go and run around complaining about the rules in this department, which will be completely different from the others. I want you to remember NOT to compare US to those others, coz we're up in a way higher level than any of them. Clear?"
"Hai."
"I am a strict leader and I will do anything to bring out everything inside you, maybe even drive you way up higher than your limit, which is what we are targeting right now and which is not impossible. Rule #1: Play is play, work is work. No one mixes them together here. Rule #2: Respect. Nobody answers or says anything rude to superiors. Rule #3: Nobody will complain if you get hurt. You WILL get hurt here every single day. Rule #4: Excel far more off your limit. Don't compare us to others. Bear those in mind, people."
"Now the theme is simple. 3 words only. "Swift, Clean and Perfect". When you take the kill, make it swift, faster than the blink of an eye; clean, leave no space for evidence or proof against you; perfect, make no mistakes, no hesitations. You only take the kill if you are sure you can do it. I think that's simple enough for you guys."
á---------á
"Everything's running perfect, Sasuke-kun," whispered Sakura, snuggling into Sasuke's chest later that night while they were in bed.
"I have everything as I want. Everything is going according to plan. I want it this wayÉ" sighed Sasuke. "Its been a tiring day, my cherry blossomÉ lets sleep now, hn?"
"MmmÉ Oyasumi, Sasuke-kunÉ AishiteruÉ" [- Goodnight. Don't tell me I still have to say the meaning of aishiteru! -
"Oyasumi, koiÉ aishiteruÉ"
á---------á
Naruto and Hinata lay peacefully on their King size bed, silently pondering about the upcoming war. Hinata suddenly snuggled up closer (if possible) to Naruto.
"Whassamatter, Hinata-chan?"
"Its cold, Naruto-kunÉ"
"OhÉ HereÉ" Naruto looped his arm under Hinata, his hand cradling her head to his chest and his other arm looped around her waist comfortably. He tangled his legs with hers and rubbed slightly, in the thought of warming her up. "Is that better, Hinata-chan?"
"MmmÉ Oyasumi, Naruto-kunÉ ArigatoÉ"
"No prob! Oyasumi, Hinata-chan!" smiled Naruto, lifting her chin up slightly and kissing her lightly on the lips before burying his head into her hair, breathing in her scent and marveling silently in the moonlight, laying awake beside his beloved's sleeping form.
á---------á
"Orochimaru-sama, I got information that they headed for a certain place to trainÉ I heard while spying on several Konoha ninsÉ" started Kabuto.
"Where?" Orochimaru asked.
"Hoseki no Konoha, sir," answered Kisume.
"How long will it take us to go there?" asked Itachi.
"About 2 weeks," said Kabuto, adjusting his glasses. "Its pretty far off from the central. I am wondering how they got there so fast, thoughÉ they must have used some kind of trick or teleporting technique or somethingÉ"
"Don't fret about that, Kabuto, we must get there as fast as possible, and the minimum is 2 weeks. Order the armies there at once," Orochimaru barked. "We will get you, Konoha eliteÉ"