Naruto was on his way to meet up with his girlfriend. He was still annoyed that Kakashi refused to lend him his new book, but, then again, Naruto figured that if the roles were reversed he might have done the same thing. While on his way, Naruto thought about the test Kakashi was going to have them take and found that there had to be some catch to it. Something about his test didn't quite seem to add up; not only did Kakashi not tell them what the test was, but he didn't want them to eat anything at all beforehand.
"What kind of ninja takes a test with no food in his system?" Naruto asked himself. "It's like having a machine go without fuel and forcing it to operate as you test pilot it. I know Kakashi-sensei's up to something."
Naruto then decided to worry about that later as he continued on his way to the Hyuuga Manor. While on his way, his eyes caught sight of a certain green-spandex-clad Genin that was said to be a Maito Gai clone. He wasn't with his other teammates, and he evidently was heading someplace in a hurry. Deciding to multitask, Naruto made a kage bunshin with a very large quantity of chakra and had "him" follow after Lee while Naruto himself went to meet with Hinata.
The kage bunshin followed Lee to a secluded location and found that it was one of the training grounds Team 8 frequently used. Seeing an opportunity to exploit this occasion, "Naruto" left in a hurry to get something to bring back with him.
Never noticing the clone, Lee set himself to completing his normal exercise routine of laps, sit-ups, push-ups, and any other easily-repeatable exercise that came to mind. Fifteen minutes later, "Naruto" returned back to where the green-clad Genin was.
"Hey there," "Naruto" greeted. "Are you Tenten and Hyuuga Neji's teammate, the one called Rock Lee?"
Lee turned to see "Naruto" approaching him.
"Yes," Lee said, "and who might you be?"
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto," "Naruto" greeted with a friendly tone, "member of Team 7."
"A pleasure to meet you, my youthful Konoha comrade!" Lee greeted back. "But how do you know of my teammates?"
"Neji's younger cousin Hinata happens to be my girlfriend," "Naruto" explained. "And I'm familiar with Neji, though I wouldn't call him my friend exactly. You can say that the way he treats others is rather…unyouthful."
"Indeed," Lee agreed, "Neji-san does have that unyouthful belief that many are beneath him because of something predestined. He even considers me as such because of my inability to perform ninjutsu."
"That's a load of trash," "Naruto" replied. "And I'd like to prove that for myself. How about a friendly spar, you and me?"
"Yosh!" Lee said enthusiastically. "I'll gladly spar with you and allow your burning youth to radiate through our match!"
"All right then!" "Naruto" agreed. "But first, how about we have a small drink to get us into the swing of things?"
"I can take a drink," Lee said. "I am feeling rather parched myself."
Naruto pulled out a small water bottle and opened it before handing it to Lee.
"Thank you Naruto-kun." Lee smiled as he accepted the bottle and drank from it.
"No, Lee," "Naruto" replied with a mischievous grin, "thank you for giving up some of your time for my research."
Lee finished the water bottle before looking at "Naruto" with a blush and huge grin as he dropped the bottle. "Naruto" saw that the contents he put into the water were already taking affect as Lee was becoming tipsy.
"You're going to be a great asset to me in this extensive and secret study of your Drunken Fist Style," "Naruto" said before Lee suddenly engaged him in combat.
"Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu," "Naruto" said as he formed the required hand seal and had thirty solid clones come into existence with the purpose of each of them taking turns fighting the drunken Lee one-on-one. In some cases, it would be two or three at a time against Lee. Other times, it'd be even more than that, sometimes as many as seven.
(Meanwhile)
Naruto was walking through the Hyuuga Manor as he caught sight of Hanabi by herself going through her Juuken practice. He quietly approached the eight-year-old as the girl was still focused on her training. She soon stopped to catch her breath and turned to Naruto, who stood not too far from her. She shot him a glare, which was met with his smile.
"Hi there," Naruto greeted.
"What do you want?" Hanabi replied with the glare and frown still on her face.
"How about a smile my Little Nighttime Firecracker?" Naruto suggested as he went over and ruffled her hair. "Smiles are free aren't they?"
"You're a pain," Hanabi remarked. "And I just had my hair brushed!"
"But you're so much cuter with your hair all messy and disheveled," Naruto teased with his hand still resting on top of her head. "Kunoichi worry more about their skills and crafts than their hair being neatly brushed, my Little Nighttime Firecracker."
"What would you know?" Hanabi retorted. "You only recently became an official ninja."
"Kid, please!" Naruto replied. "I managed to do things that put other veteran shinobi to shame while you still have quite a way to go, especially since you're going to be starting class at the ninja academy tomorrow. But I will admit that your skills in dodging your father and other main house members who themselves are veteran ninja are rather impressive. I should know; I've had my eyes on you for a while now. You may not want to admit it to yourself, but I can see it as plain as day about you."
"And what would that be?" Hanabi asked suspiciously.
"That, in a couple of ways," Naruto grinned, "I've rubbed off on you, and so has Hinata-chan."
"What?" Hanabi retorted accusingly. "How dare you make such a mocking accusation!"
"So then," Naruto teased as he leaned down and whispered into her left ear, "I guess all those times you've been trying to spy on me, hiding behind various objects in hopes of not getting caught was all just an act. Hinata-chan used to do the same thing. And I guess you were only pretending to try so hard to find out as much as you can about me, though you do so while giving a front like you're cold and hardened and have no form of interest in me, giving everyone the outward impression that you're their ideal Hyuuga heiress while pulling mischievous stunts underneath everyone's nose in sneaking around, stealing their expensive imported sake and wine. Be honest with yourself, my Little Nighttime Firecracker, you copied traits of both your older sister and myself."
"I swear," Hanabi snorted and blushed at Naruto's irrefutable logic, which left no room for argument. "You're such a pain."
"I'm fond of you, too," Naruto teased with a large smile. A minute later, Neji appeared on the scene and saw Naruto and Hanabi from a distance. He saw that Naruto still had his hand on Hanabi's head. Frowning at the sight, Neji soon approached them.
"Why are you here, Naruto?" Neji asked with a monotone tone.
"To pay my girlfriend, my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit, a visit," Naruto replied. "But I had to first say "hi" to my Little Nighttime Firecracker here."
"Your choice of pet names for Hanabi-sama and Hinata-sama are most beneath the Hyuuga clan," Neji remarked with a tone of disapproval. "I fail to see why it's tolerated and why you haven't been put in your place."
"Like I've told others," Naruto replied. "My respect is earned, not given. Plus, I only give such adoring pet names to those I like."
"You're still the same senseless jester fate has clearly defined you as," Neji remarked.
"You need not worry about the pet names Naruto-kun addresses my neesan and me with, Neji," Hanabi said. "Though playful, they're neither demeaning nor offensive. If they were, Father would have addressed the matter long ago."
It missed neither Neji nor Naruto's attention that Hanabi referred to Naruto with an affectionate suffix.
"As you say, Hanabi-sama." Neji said nothing further as he walked passed them and to another location.
It's bad enough that Hinata-sama wanted and chose to become his girlfriend, Neji thought. It's even worse now that Hanabi-sama is following her sister's disgraceful course and is developing an attachment of sorts with that loser. Clearly fate has decreed this upon Hanabi-sama, and her folly will lead to untold consequences.
Neji soon disappeared from their sight, leaving them alone again.
"Naruto-kun, was it?" Naruto teased. Hanabi realized her slip of tongue.
"Don't think too much of it," Hanabi replied. "I just slipped, that's all."
"Right," Naruto remarked. "Keep telling yourself that."
"…I really can't stand Neji sometimes," Hanabi said, changing the subject. "It's always fate this and fate that."
"Maybe someone ought to find a way to free him of that stupid notion of fate and destiny," Naruto suggested as he released Hanabi's head and started walking off to find Hinata.
"But remember," Naruto said, "I have my eyes on you, my Little Nighttime Firecracker."
Naruto said nothing further as he went on his way, leaving Hanabi alone with her thoughts. The young girl stood there and thought about what Naruto told her.
Did I allow Neesan and Naruto-kun to really influence me like this? Hanabi thought before she realized how she referred to Naruto again. Damn it! I did again!
(In Hinata's Room)
Hinata was sitting at her desk, reading some water jutsu scrolls Naruto gave to her, studying and memorizing the hand signs that went with them. A minute later, a knock came at her door.
"Hinata-chan," a masculine voice called out from behind the door, "are you in there?"
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata said happily as she got up from her seat and hurried over to the door. She opened it and embraced Naruto before kissing him. The Jinchuuriki embraced and kissed her back in return.
"I missed you." Naruto smiled as he broke the kiss.
"Not as much as I missed you," Hinata said in return before allowing Naruto to come into her room and closing the door behind them. Naruto went and sat down on the chair where Hinata had been sitting. He gestured for her to come and sit in his lap, and she happily obliged, wrapping her right arm around his shoulders.
"So, how did your time with Kurenai-sensei and your new team go?" Naruto asked. Hinata began relating everything to him, from their introductions, favorite hobbies, dislikes, and future goals. Naruto listened without interrupting her.
"So Kiba wants to be a stronger ninja and alpha of his clan," Naruto said. "I can relate. After all, when I restore my clan, I would like to be head. What did you say your dreams were?"
"To foremost become your wife and start up a whole new clan with you here in Konoha as a very strong and capable kunoichi and woman, and to abolish the caged bird seal of my clan after taking my father's place as clan leader," Hinata answered.
"Very strong words, my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit," Naruto replied. "How did the others take it?"
"Shino just nodded in acknowledgment of my goals while Kiba teased me about wanting to bear little Uzumaki children who'd run around pulling pranks on everyone," Hinata said. Naruto snickered at hearing that, and his grin grew larger as he thought about it.
"And what's so funny?" Hinata asked.
"I'm just visualizing what Kiba said," Naruto said. "A bunch of mini-versions of you and me with my whisker birthmarks and trademark smile and your cute nose and cheeks going around Konoha pranking unsuspecting ninja and civilians. I can see the wrinkles and gray hairs on Hiashi's head already after he sees all of the mischief his Uzumaki-Hyuuga grandchildren would be causing, if he still has hair left by that time."
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata giggled, trying to sound scandalized. "…How about your team?"
Naruto related everything to Hinata from the time they waited for Kakashi for three hours to the time they left and went their own ways after being told of their coming test tomorrow.
"And you suspect that there's more to Kakashi-sensei's test than he lets on," Hinata figured.
"Precisely," Naruto stated. "He's up to something, and I'll figure it out before tomorrow. But tomorrow before my team's test, we can do our routine exercises and sparring matches before we have to meet up with our respective teams. We'll have a big healthy breakfast on the way, too."
"But didn't your sensei tell you not to eat or drink anything or you'll vomit?" Hinata asked.
"Please!" Naruto replied. "Who goes to war thirsty and starving? It's suicide."
Hinata shrugged before standing back up off his lap. Naruto got up off the seat and headed to the door.
"So tomorrow," Naruto said, "same spot, same time?"
"Of course," Hinata agreed as she went and kissed Naruto again, this time with her tongue dancing with his. After a few minutes, the couple reluctantly pulled their tongues and lips away as their need for air took effect.
"Until tomorrow, then," Naruto grinned before exiting the room and making his way out of the Hyuuga manor and quickly back to his apartment. Hinata, in the meantime, went back to reading her scrolls, though now she was partly distracted by the memory of the last kiss she shared with Naruto.
(An Hour Later)
The training ground was a wreck, with craters and rubble everywhere. Lee, after a fierce and brutal encounter, was finally asleep after being worn down with the sake's effects slowing fading while he slept. The thirty clones, beaten up and ragged, were breathing hard trying to catch their breaths.
"Damn it," one of the clones said. "We were told he was a natural drunken fist user, but we weren't told that he was this powerful and dangerous."
"I'm led to believe that he's a natural born master of it only when he's drunk," another clone remarked, "It'll be his best trump card in a deadly encounter."
"The fact that we didn't dispel the entire time is a feat also," a third clone said. "Evidently, we also got stronger."
"Speaking of dispelling ourselves," a fourth clone advised, "it's best we do so now before we're seen here."
"What about Lee?" the first clone asked.
"He'll live," the fourth remarked. "Besides, there's really no telling if he's really asleep or not, and I'm not in the mood to go and find out and start this whole ordeal again."
All of the clones nodded and dispelled all at once, leaving the sleeping Lee lying on the grass, or at least what was now left of the severely battered green pasture.
(Elsewhere)
Naruto was coming out of the showers with his towel around his waist when he suddenly started feeling light headed and sleepy, with his movements becoming more sluggish by the second.
"…Oh…no," Naruto muttered as he realized what was happening. "Damn them…they dispelled themselves…all at once."
Naruto didn't make it past his living room rug when he collapsed and passed out on top of it from mental exhaustion. It would be hours before he woke up again.
(Later That Night)
"Wouldn't you rather use all of that primal energy and passion on me, Sasuke-kun?" Ino asked in a very husky and sensual tone as she glided her left hand down to her left cheek and groped it, "I promise to make it worth your while as I ride you to heaven."
Ino frowned with an unsatisfied expression as she looked at herself in her full-length mirror in her bedroom, trying to reenact Naruto's stunt earlier that day when he transformed into an erotic version of her. She did her hair the same way Naruto had it when he executed that transformation.
"Damn it," Ino grumbled with frustration, "It's not as provocative! It's disturbing how Naruto could pull it off and have Sasuke-kun and all of the guys fall for him as a "female"! It makes me, a natural female, look bad!"
Taking a breath to calm down, Ino cleared her mind and focused on her objective once again.
I don't know how you do it, Naruto, Ino thought with a determined expression as she looked into her mirror, But I'll be damned before I swallow my pride as a woman and ask you for pointers in sex appeal and learning what turns a guy on!
With that in mind, Ino went at it again, trying from different angles to emulate Naruto's sexy acts. She was resolute not to let Naruto beat her.
(The Following Morning)
Team 7 was waiting patiently at the training ground where they were told to meet. However, only Sasuke and Sakura were present, as neither Naruto nor Kakashi had shown up, and it was almost 9 in the morning.
"Terrific," Sakura grumbled, "It's been almost three hours already! First Kakashi-sensei shows up late for his first day with us, and now that baka Naruto goes and follows his example! Not to mention they're both shameless perverts!"
Sasuke grunted but gave Sakura no conversation the whole time. His mind was still on what Kakashi firmly told him yesterday about stopping his desire to have Hinata as his girlfriend.
The dobe wants to set up his own clan in Konoha and have Hinata bear Uzumaki-Hyuuga children for him, Sasuke thought. A clan filled with idiots like him? And he seeks to have his descendants become a clan of Byakugan wielding Uzumaki morons? That's crazy! The dobe seeks to become a clan leader and he says that all of Konoha will owe his clan homage! He got a lot of nerve!
Sakura turned to look at Sasuke and found him in deep thought about something.
"Sasuke-kun," Sakura said sweetly as she approached him, "are you OK? You seem to be in deep thought about something."
Sasuke turned to look at Sakura and shrugged, "I'm just thinking about what the dobe said about starting a new clan of seal masters in Konoha and becoming Hokage."
"I will admit, he has very ambitious dreams besides becoming Hokage," Sakura said. "Is such a thing like starting a whole new clan like what Naruto wants to do even possible?"
"With the right support, funding, land, and resources," Sasuke explained, "it can be done." If he marries Hinata, he'll have the help he'll need since she already has a bloodline limit and is a clan heiress.
"So you do have confidence in me, Sasuke," Naruto smiled as he appeared and walked over to them. "You both expressed concern for my future and dreams. I'm so touched."
"Put a sock in it!" Sakura retorted. "And why are you late?"
"Is Kakashi-sensei here?" Naruto asked.
"No," Sakura answered.
"Then I'm still on time," Naruto replied. "Besides, I simply went to take care of some things with my girlfriend before coming here."
"Like what?" Sasuke asked.
"Something like, none of your business," Naruto remarked, "But I will say that it left me completely refreshed and ready for today."
"Did it now?" a masculine voice asked. The three Genin turned to see Kakashi standing behind them.
"YOU'RE LATE AGAIN!" Sakura yelled as she pointed at Kakashi. "And so was Naruto!"
"Naruto was here before I came, so I can't count him as being late," Kakashi said offhandedly. "Besides, I was on my way here when two kids asked me to save their two cats from drowning."
"LIAR!" Sakura accused. "What kind of full grown cats can't swim?"
Kakashi shrugged, "If you say so. Anyway, I'm glad to see all three of you here. Now we can get this test started."
The Cyclops Jounin reached into his pouch and retrieved two bells from it.
"What's with the bells?" Naruto asked. "Don't tell me us you stole them from those kids' cats."
"Funny," Kakashi remarked dryly. "No, Naruto. This is your test. There are two bells and three of you. Your test will be to try to get the bells from me. The one who fails will end up being tied to one of those wooden posts over there while the other two will get to have the boxed lunches and drinks I brought with me. Plus, the one who fails will be sent back to the academy for remedial training."
So that's why he told us not to eat or drink anything before coming here, Naruto contemplated, We're supposed to be a Genin cell but Kakashi-sensei rigged this test to get us to turn on each other.
Thankfully I had a good breakfast and morning workout with Hinata-chan before coming here; not that they need to know that. But I wonder if Sasuke and Sakura figured out the true purpose behind this test. I couldn't even do so last night after I unintentionally lost consciousness because of the stunt my clones pulled on me. But that's no longer the problem as I learned a lot about Lee's drunken fist fighting style…though I still have more future "sessions" with him-
"Naruto!" Kakashi called out. "Naruto!"
Naruto snapped out of his trance and looked at Kakashi.
"Oh I'm sorry. Did you say something Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked.
"Hn…You reminded me of myself just now with that response," Kakashi remarked. "Don't do it again. Like I was saying, you and the others will have three hours to get the bells from me. Come at me with the intent to kill. This alarm will go off twice. The first time will mark the start of the test. The second time will mark the conclusion of the test."
Kakashi went over and set the alarm clock by the drinks and two boxed lunches. The Jounin then pulled out his orange book and opened it to the page he left off at.
"Now," Kakashi said with his eye on his book as he crouched down, "Get ready, all of you."
A minute later the alarm went off, and the Genin went into hiding in the bushes while Kakashi looked like he wasn't paying any attention. Looking up from his book, Kakashi easy spotted both Sasuke and Sakura in the different sections of the bushes where they had chosen to hide.
"That's two of them," Kakashi said in an undertone while still in his crouched position. "Now where's Naruto?"
The Jounin then looked up to see a smiling Naruto standing right in front of him with his hands in his pockets. Sakura smacked the top of her forehead after seeing what Naruto was doing.
"Idiot," Sasuke remarked. "What's that Naruto doing?"
"Hey Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said with the smile never leaving his face.
"You're an odd one," Kakashi remarked, expecting to get an angry reaction out of him.
"I've been called worse things than that," Naruto replied, "Anyway, let's end this ridiculous farce and you can simply hand over the bells to me."
"I heard you're a clown and dead last of your class," Kakashi replied trying to get a reaction out of Naruto, "but I never once believed you to be this brazenly straightforward in your stupidity."
"Nah," Naruto countered, "the stupidity actually lies with you, Kakashi-sensei."
"Is that right?" Kakashi remarked cynically.
"Of course!" Naruto continued with a playful tone, "I mean, really, you're a veteran ninja with years of combat and field experience who also worked alongside the famed Yondaime, who was also known as Konoha's Yellow Flash, and he was your Jounin sensei at one point in time. If my memory serves me correctly, your father was also known as Konoha's White Fang.
"Sasuke-teme, Sakura, and I are newly-graduated Genin with no field experience in or outside Konoha's walls. How do you honestly expect us to beat you one on one, hm?"
Kakashi eyed Naruto carefully. He saw that behind Naruto's playful smile were secrets Naruto kept from everyone about himself.
"I will say, Naruto, that your deduction of me is on the mark," Kakashi said as he placed his book in his pouch. "You evidently know more about me than you let on."
"I do my homework," Naruto replied, "when it really matters, that is. And I had to know what kind of Jounin you really are, Copycat Kakashi."
Kakashi's eye narrowed on hearing that, and he knew that Sasuke and Sakura were listening to their conversation too.
Why did Naruto refer to Kakashi as Copycat, Sasuke wondered, as did Sakura. The Jounin then thought back to what happened yesterday.
(Flashback: Yesterday at the Hokage Tower)
Kakashi was standing in front of Hiruzen's desk as he was telling Sandaime about his expectations of his next team after meeting with them in the park. From what Hiruzen was hearing, Kakashi didn't expect them to pass.
"I know your history with Genin teams, Kakashi," Hiruzen commented, "But perhaps this team will surprise you."
"Like every other Genin team I sent back to the academy?" Kakashi remarked cynically with his hands in his pockets, "I have a Sasuke-obsessed fangirl who hates one of her teammates, an avenger who also dislikes the same teammate and desires the hated teammate's girlfriend, and a hated teammate I'm sorry to say I consider to be the only normal one of the group despite his infamous reputation. My team is completely dysfunctional."
Hiruzen sighed. He knew something like this would happen, as none of the members of Team 7 got along with the others. But that team's set up was based on their ranks at the academy, with personal feelings and differences towards each other removed from the equation.
"You said that you consider Naruto to be the only normal one of the group Kakashi," Hiruzen pointed out. "What was it about him that stuck out to you?"
"Everything he said about himself, his likes, dislikes and future dreams," Kakashi answered. "Plus, he said nothing about disliking any of his teammates despite the fact that they don't like him at all. I can see where Naruto is coming from with his dislike for the majority of the people of this village, but he didn't make that his primary factor.
"His primary factor, besides his dreams of becoming Hokage, is that he seeks to re-establish the Uzumaki Clan and restore their status as seal masters. Add the Byakugan and the Hyuuga fighting style to the revived Uzumaki Clan with the Uzumakis' massive chakra-"
"The new Uzumaki Clan would be stronger and even deadlier than the original," Hiruzen finished for Kakashi.
"So Naruto is aware of his lineage and parentage," Kakashi figured. Sandaime took a puff of his pipe.
"He found it out on his own," Hiruzen said, "There was no point in keeping the rest of what I knew from him anymore. I'm sure he'll approach you about your history with his father, but when he believes he's ready to confront you about it, don't expect him to forgive you with open arms, because he certainly didn't do so with me."
"Be that as it may," Kakashi remarked. "I'm sure I'll be able to handle what Naruto will throw at me. Until then, I'll just wait for him and take my leave now."
Kakashi turned and started walking off.
"Kakashi," Hiruzen called out, grabbed the Jounin's attention as he turned his head to look back at the Hokage.
"For tomorrow's test," Hiruzen said, "I'll give you this one warning: Do not take Naruto lightly. That is all."
Kakashi could only wonder why Sandaime would say that without telling him anything further. Putting that thought to the side, the Jounin turned back around and proceeded on his way out.
(End of Flashback)
Sandaime-sama warned me yesterday in my private briefing about my team not to take Naruto lightly, Kakashi thought, It's clear that there's more to Naruto that Sandaime-sama hasn't told me. He clearly wishes for me to find out for myself.
"Well, Naruto," Kakashi suggested with an eye smile. "Let's get this test started."
Kakashi turned and walked away.
"Hey, I'm not done talking to you!" Naruto yelled as he ran after Kakashi and aimed to grab the bells. Kakashi quickly reacted and grabbed Naruto's arms before twisting them tightly behind Naruto's back.
"Naruto," Kakashi said, "I'm disappointed. After all that talk you gave me, you let yourself get caught this easily?"
"Says who?" another voice said from the side. Kakashi turned to see nine Naruto clones appear and surround him. The Naruto that Kakashi held captive popped into a cloud of smoke, revealing itself to be a Kage Bunshin.
"Clever," Kakashi admitted as he turned his attention to Naruto and his clones. "But do you believe that numbers alone will be enough to stop me?"
"Let's find out," they chorused as they rushed at him. They all engaged Kakashi in a group effort to take him down. The Jounin found that Naruto's clones weren't as easy to fight as he was expecting, considering all the things he heard about Naruto's poor fighting skills. They were impressively well organized and not being wasted. But Kakashi was still able to hold his own, and soon overpowered the clones as he began popping them all one by one.
Naruto soon lost sight of Kakashi.
"What the?" Naruto said with a perplexed expression, "Where did he go?"
"You gave me a good warm-up session, Naruto," Kakashi said from behind him. "But, like you said before, I'm an experienced veteran."
Naruto turned his head in time to hear…
"Konoha Taijutsu Ougi!" Kakashi said as he clasped his two index fingers together and rammed them into Naruto's behind. The blonde grimaced as his eyes soon dilated.
"Sennen Goroshi!" Kakashi yelled as he thrust his arms up in a forward position as he rocketed a screaming Naruto into the air who was holding his now sore butt. Three seconds later, Naruto popped, revealing himself to be another one of Naruto's kage bunshins. Naruto was nowhere in sight.
"Yep," Naruto remarked, revealing himself hiding in the trees. "Next to almost kissing Sasuke by accident because of someone else's careless and stupid act yesterday, what I saw just now would have scarred me for life had that actually been me."
Naruto leaped off the tree branch and stood a distance from Kakashi.
"You're everything they say you are, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said, "And for that reason…"
Kakashi waited for the rest of Naruto's words.
"Sasuke! Sakura!" Naruto called out. "Listen! Let's team up and face Kakashi-sensei together! If either of you have been listening and watching the entire time, then you saw that even my clones were no match for him when it was nine to one! If we utilize our respective abilities, we just may have a chance to wear him down and heighten out chances of getting the bells!"
Naruto got no response from either of his teammates.
"Separately," Naruto continued, "Kakashi-sensei will take us out, but if we stand and work together-"
"I think you've said quite enough, Naruto," Kakashi interjected as he approached the Genin.
"Katon: Gōkakyū No Jutsu!" Sasuke yelled before firing a large fireball from his mouth and straight at Kakashi. The Jounin managed to dodge the attack before Sakura threw a volley of shuriken at him, all of which Kakashi evaded.
"So, dobe," Sasuke remarked, "you were man enough to admit that you couldn't beat him yourself, huh?"
"Only a foolish ninja would take on an enemy without first learning about them," Naruto replied. "That was the purpose of me sending my clones in first after Kakashi-sensei while the rest of us watched and studied Kakashi's movements and abilities."
"But we were supposed get the two bells from him separately," Sakura cut in.
"And that's the problem," Naruto pointed out, "There are two bells and three of us. We're supposed to be a Genin team that the Hokage set up. But our supposed Jounin sensei here is trying to turn us against each other.
"Kakashi-sensei rigged this test to see if we'd selfishly betray and turn on each other, which was also why he didn't want any of us to have any breakfast or anything to drink this morning. And that's the purpose of the boxed lunches and drinks he brought with him; it's to add to the temptation to get us to work separately in hopes of satisfying our own stomachs without regards to what will happen to the others.
"It was never about the bells. It was about whether or not we could put aside our personal grudges and differences and work together for once."
As much as neither Sasuke nor Sakura wanted to admit it, Naruto's well-thought-out explanation brought out a number of good points that were hard to refute. The Rookie of the Year, seeing no room to argue against Naruto's sensible logic, had no choice but to swallow his pride and listen.
"I guess we can try out your little plan, but what if you're wrong?" Sasuke replied.
"Taking chances is what being a ninja is all about," Naruto said. "So what about you, Sakura? Are you in or out?"
"If Sasuke-kun is willing to take a chance and trust your judgment," Sakura said, "then I'll go along with it, too."
"So the two of you are willing to risk it all by siding with Naruto on this matter while disregarding what I said about this test," Kakashi said with a hardened tone as he stood ready to deal with them. "If that's the case…then the three of you leave me with no other choice but this…"
The group got ready for what Kakashi was about to throw at them.
"You all pass," Kakashi answered with an eye smile.
"Say what?" Sakura yelled. "What do you mean? You're not going to fight us?"
"And waste precious chakra and time?" Kakashi remarked as he reached into his pouch and pulled out a small scroll. He opened it, and the scroll let out some smoke and released a small brown book. He tossed the book to Naruto who easily caught it.
"What's this?" Naruto asked as he opened the book to find a list of names written in it.
"That's all of the names of the Genin before you guys that I failed after the conclusions of this test and the redemption test before having them sent back to the academy for remedial training."
"There's a lot of names in this book," Sakura stated, "Why did you fail them?"
"Because they didn't do what you guys did and see the hidden meaning of this test," Kakashi replied. "Teamwork. Naruto was correct in saying that I rigged this test to set you up against each other."
"But why?" Sasuke asked, "If we're a team, why make a test that was aimed to turn us against each other?"
"To see where your loyalties lie," Kakashi explained. "From what I saw yesterday while you three interacted with each other, I didn't think you guys would last long as a team and that you three would be the next batch of Genin I would fail and send back to the academy. Naruto not only prevented that from happening, but showed surprising leadership capabilities and other impressive skills despite his proclaimed dead last status."
"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked.
"Let me explain," Kakashi continued. "First off, Naruto made useful applications of his kage bunshins, using them as reconnaissance tools while you guys stayed in hiding. He soon realized that it would be best if all three of you would put aside your personal grudges and differences and work together against me. He managed to help you both see through this test and pulled you all together as a team. Those are important abilities that future leaders and ninjas must be able to do.
"Both you and Sakura also demonstrated commendable traits. Rather than trying to pursue the bells yourselves separately, as I had set you guys up to do, you chose to trust and stick with your fellow comrade and work together as a unit in order to complete the assigned mission, or test, in this case, despite whatever doubts you both had at that moment. And that's the most important trait among ninja teams."
"A trait among ninja teams?" Sakura asked.
"Yes, Sakura," Kakashi said. "In the future, there will be missions that will test the loyalties of the three of you to Konoha and one another, and the question of whether or not you three would stick together will be a factor that will often present itself. As important as it is to complete a mission, some missions will be most unfavorable and very dangerous, but for the preservation of our village they're carried out by those who are willing to carry that burden. Remember too, that those who abandon the mission are trash, but those who abandon and betray their comrades are worse than trash."
"We still have some issues to work out, but your performance in today's test showed me that you three have some real potential. Well done, all of you."
"Sweet!" Naruto cheered with his right fist thrown upwards, "We passed! We won't be going back to the academy for more of Iruka-sensei's stupid lectures!"
"For once, Naruto, you actually did something useful that benefited all of us," Sasuke remarked with a smirk.
"That's because you guys actually did something useful that benefited all of us, and that was listening to me for once!" Naruto replied. Sakura was about to smack him but Kakashi intervened.
"Now now, Sakura," Kakashi said. "There will be no need for unnecessary violence here against your fellow teammates. That will only be permitted during spars between team members.
"You guys can have the rest of the day to yourselves, and we'll start our first missions as a team tomorrow. Report to training ground number five at 7 o'clock. Till then, the three of you are free to enjoy the rest of your day."
"What about the boxed lunches and drinks over there?" Sakura asked.
"Oh, those," Kakashi said, "It's up to you guys to decide which two of you three will-"
"They can have them," Naruto said. "I'm sure Sasuke-teme and Sakura are starving and thirsty."
"And what of you?" Kakashi asked.
"I'll be fine," Naruto said with a grin. "No need to worry about me!"
Sasuke shrugged and turned away as he walked off and grabbed one of the boxed lunches and drinks before heading off.
"Wait for me, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura called after him as she followed after her love interest after grabbing the other boxed lunch and drink. Kakashi watched as Sakura walked with Sasuke in hopes of starting some form of conversation with him. The Jounin was certain he heard her ask Sasuke if he'd like to go on a picnic together before going back.
"I wonder how long it'll be before she decides to grow out of her senseless infatuation," Kakashi remarked to himself.
"You got me," Naruto replied. The Jounin returned his attention back to Naruto as he acknowledged that he was left alone with him.
"You're free to leave Naruto," Kakashi reminded, "There's no need for you to stay any longer."
"But there is," Naruto countered. "I would like for you to take out that book in your pouch if you will please."
"Naruto," Kakashi said. "We've already been through this. I'm not going to lend you my book before I get the chance to finish it first."
"I never said that the book in your pouch was yours, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto remarked. That statement caught Kakashi's attention.
"Where are you getting at?" Kakashi asked curiously.
"Take out the book, and I'll show you," Naruto suggested. Seeing that he was going to take out and read the book anyway, Kakashi did as he was asked and took out the book.
"Throw the book away!" Naruto warned, "Far from us! Now!"
"Naruto," Kakashi said as looked down at the book, "I will do no such thin-"
Kakashi stopped mid-sentence when he saw chakra radiating from the book. He threw the book far from them, and, as soon as it hit the ground, the book exploded in a large ball of flames, creating a strong gust of hot wind and debris as it cratered the ground where it landed.
"Come at you with the intent to kill, you said earlier," Naruto said with a goofy smile and carefree attitude, "If I did, you'd be dead and blown to burnt pieces by now. But I will admit this: it was really hard making the switch between your actual Icha-Icha Paradise book and my henge bakuhatsu bunshin. During your scuffle with my kage bunshins, I had them keep you occupied with the bells while your precious Icha-Icha Paradise book was left unguarded. I sneaked in and switched your book with my lethal bomb."
The Jounin saw that there was a piece of information that was missing from Naruto's explanation, seeing as something didn't quite add up. What Naruto didn't tell him was that he used his cloaking jutsu to move in unnoticed among his clones and Kakashi to get the book.
"Keeping up with your speed and movements while trying to stay unnoticed presented a true challenge," Naruto continued, "But I managed to pull it off in the short time I was given. With my bomb in place, I could have killed you at any time. Like I said before, I like to study and know my enemies and whatever weaknesses I can find and exploit before I set my trap and aim for the kill."
Kakashi saw through the deceptive goofy smile on Naruto's face. As the older man thought about it, it was embarrassing that he was so nearly killed at the hands of the Genin proclaimed as the village clown and dead last. And just as in the case of Hiruzen and the others ninjas Naruto targeted, Kakashi now joined Naruto's growing list of ninjas he "killed" in a fight.
I see now why Sandaime-sama warned me not to take him lightly, Kakashi thought, I will admit that I was rather skeptical about what the Hokage was telling me about Naruto's hidden talents and potentials. But after seeing for myself what Naruto is capable of, he's truly a deceptive and dangerous ninja.
"You're not who you portray yourself as. Naruto," Kakashi concluded. "You're far from being the academy's dead last, and everything that happened up to this point testifies to that. I'm led to believe that your records from the academy are far from accurate."
"Whatever do you mean, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked. "I've been trying to beat Sasuke at almost everything!"
"Don't mock me, Naruto," Kakashi advised. "As your Jounin sensei, I want an explanation and my book returned."
"We ninja are entitled to some secrets, Kakashi-sensei, so an explanation won't be given," Naruto replied. "But you'll get your book back at another time. Until then…"
Naruto burst into a cloud of smoke.
"A kage bunshin," Kakashi mused. "He must have made it and took off with my book that one moment I turned my eye away from him and over to Sasuke and Sakura as they were leaving with the food." Kakashi lowered his head, saddened and depressed. "Damn it! And I was at a really juicy part of that book too!"
Kakashi left and made his way to the Hokage Tower for a briefing with the Hokage.
(Elsewhere, in the Meantime)
Naruto was on top of the Hokage Monument sitting on the head representing Hiruzen with Kakashi's personal copy of Icha-Icha Paradise. The giggles from Naruto were quite audible. Seeing as there were more books to the "Diaries of the Mission Textiles" series of Icha-Icha Paradise, Naruto knew that he would have to come up with some sort of agreement between him and Kakashi in order to read the whole series.
(Late That Night, at the Hyuuga Manor)
Hanabi, dressed completely in black with her hair tied into a bun, was moving quietly through the estate. She was staying as quiet as she could. Having gone through this before, she had no problem arriving at her destination. Reaching her destination, she unlocked and entered the storage chamber where all of the sake and imported liquor were. Licking her lips, she got ready to refill her bottle with her favorite brand of imported liquor when a shadow suddenly came over her. She saw a familiar structure to that shadow and her heart started pounding hard.
"Hanabi," an older masculine voice said firmly and authoritatively, "So you were the one behind these thefts?"
Shaken by her father's tone and the aura coming off him in waves, the younger girl slowly turned to face him. When she did, she felt a feeling she never felt before when looking at Hiashi: fear.
"Fa-fath-," Hanabi stuttered, "Father I-"
"Silence," Hiashi replied firmly with a hardened tone. Hanabi flinched and lowered her head.
"To think that you," Hiashi said with pure disappointment, "my own daughter, whom the clan holds in high esteem, would stoop to stealing from me just so you can indulge in pleasures not fit for someone who's not of age. I taught and raised you better than this! You have betrayed everything I taught you! You have shamed your father!"
Hanabi now had tears falling down her face after hearing her father's strong words of disappointment. It was worse than getting hit during spars.
"I'm sorry," a humbled Hanabi apologized.
"Come with me as I decide your punishment," Hiashi said as a sniffling Hanabi slowly walked out of the liquor storage. Hiashi closed and locked the door before gesturing for Hanabi to follow him. With her head lowered and eyes facing the ground, the young girl followed her father from behind. A few minutes later, Hiashi stopped and stood in front of the large pond in their estate. He signaled for Hanabi to come forward, and she silently did so.
"Look into the water and tell me what you see," Hiashi said as he pointed to the water. Hanabi stepped forward and looked into the pond.
"I see only my reflection," Hanabi said lowly, while in fear of what was going to possibly happen to her later for getting caught by her father.
"No Hanabi," Hiashi said, "Look harder."
Hanabi did this while wondering what her father wanted her to see. The next thing she knew was that she was suddenly grabbed and thrown into the pond, causing her to become completely soaked with her hair now a mess. She rose up from the water and spat the pond water out of her mouth.
"Father," Hanabi called with a confused expression.
"I'll tell you what I see," Hiashi said before he burst into a cloud of white smoke. When the smoke cleared, Hanabi couldn't believe who she saw.
"You!" Hanabi growled.
"I see a foolish little kunoichi who got caught in the act after letting her guard down," Naruto said, "Had this been a true mission in enemy territory, you'd be dead now. Remember, just because you're very familiar with the terrain doesn't give you free reign to become careless. And like I told you before, I've been keeping my eyes on you."
"I hope that doesn't include when I'm bathing," Hanabi remarked.
"Don't flatter yourself," Naruto shot back. "I'm not into underdeveloped little girls."
"Underdeveloped?" Hanabi repeated feeling insulted.
"But since you're Hinata-chan's little sister," Naruto continued, "you still hold promise. But speaking of bathing…"
Naruto took out a bar of soap from his pocket and threw it at her.
"Go clean yourself up," Naruto said before he burst into a cloud of smoke, using shunshin, and left the area. Hanabi was in a rage. Not only did Naruto thoroughly prank her, but he also made a total fool out of her.
"Damn you!" Hanabi cursed. "I'll get you for this, Naruto-kun! Somehow I will!"
"Hanabi," Hinata called as she approached her younger sister with a confused expression. "Why are you in the pond fully dressed with a bar of soap?"
Hanabi face-palmed, trying to control her seething rage. It was going to be hard trying to make up some story while not telling what really happened.
I don't care how long it takes, Hanabi said within herself, I'll get back at him somehow!
(Two Months Later)
Since Team 7 had been an official team, they had gone from one mission to another, all of them D-rank. These missions consisted of babysitting, carrying groceries, gardening work, walking villager's pets, painting fences, and other mundane things. If they weren't doing those things, they were doing team exercises, spars, and weapons training. For Naruto, this was nothing but a waste of his time, and every "mission" only served to irritate him further. So much so that he'd make and switch with one of his kage bunshins while he sneaked off elsewhere and trained in secret, learning new seals or mastering new jutsu.
And speaking of new jutsu, there were a few he started working on in private. One of them was a powerful A-class attack jutsu that had no hand signs for the Sharingan to copy; that being called the Rasengan, created by the Yondaime years ago.
And another was a B class wind jutsu he learned from the Forbidden Scroll called Kaze Sokudo Chikara. That form of wind manipulation accelerated one's velocity while running, allowing the user to move as fast as the wind. The jutsu also allowed the user to execute a mighty body crash against the target(s) with no harm to the user. However, the jutsu required the user to have massive stamina, wind chakra nature, and physical endurance since, after prolonged usage, it would take a toll on the body.
Besides mastering new jutsu during the two months, Naruto increased the strength of his gravity and chakra restraint seals, as did Hinata. This became evident as they had to readjust to their self-imposed handicap, which slowed them down some. It took them about two weeks to adapt to the change and perform their regular duties and other functions while under the increased gravity and restraints.
Sasuke still watched and admired Hinata when he thought no one was watching, and a few times he tried to be around her when Naruto was too busy. Some time later, Sasuke went to one of the training grounds Hinata frequently uses and found her there, training alone as she was punching and kicking the training post there. He approached her and asked if she'd like to spend her time training and hanging with him. Hinata, however, popped into smoke and revealed herself to be Kakashi using a henge. The Jounin scolded Sasuke sternly again for ignoring his advice to stop his senseless desire and romantic pursuit of Naruto's girlfriend.
Over the weeks, Naruto, through the use of his kage bunshins, continued his secret studies and sparring sessions with Lee after getting him drunk, determined to learn and master the drunken fist style. So far, Naruto learned a great deal from it and managed to develop ways to incorporate it into his fighting styles after many private practice sessions. As Naruto was learning quickly, the drunken fist earned its name and required a great deal of speed, flexibly, and the ability to be unpredictable, all of which Naruto was thankfully armed with thanks to his years of training.
(A Week Later)
Kakashi and Team 7 were back at the Hokage Tower. They were in the room with the Sandaime and other officials and ninja that were assigning mission. Iruka was also among the ninja giving out missions.
"Team 7," Hiruzen said, "you completed your mission to bring back the daimyo's wife's cat Tora rather quickly. Well done."
"Save your thanks," Naruto spat, "I'd rather it be a failed mission with the cat impaled with one of my kunai than be forced to chase after it again!"
"Naruto," Iruka scolded, "show proper respect to our Hokage!"
"Don't worry, Iruka," Hiruzen assured. "There hasn't been one team that took pleasure in retrieving that cat after it ran away."
"So this isn't the first time that cat ran away," Sasuke acknowledged.
"No," Hiruzen confirmed, "To be honest, I lost count how many times it ran away from its owner."
"Not hard to see why it'd run away after seeing how that woman was hugging and squeezing it nearly to death," Naruto remarked.
"Well then," Hiruzen continued, "We still have time to assign you guys to another mission. Kyoutaro's restaurant is having a-"
"Enough!" Naruto interjected angrily. "Enough of these ridiculous chores you people call "missions"!"
"Naruto!" Iruka cut in. "Know your place and address the Hokage with proper respect!"
Naruto ignored Iruka and continued, "For the last two months, we've been doing nothing but be these useless chores that our clients are too lazy to do themselves! I'm sick of wasting my time with these worthless D-rank tasks! I want a real mission! Not gardening, babysitting, carrying groceries, or any other mediocre tasks! None of these so-called missions have given us the chance to test our ninja training and show what we can truly do or where we stand in the shinobi world!"
"For once," Sasuke spoke up, "I'm with the dobe. I too have grown weary of these D-rank missions, and I for one would like to have a mission that truly challenges our skills and abilities."
"You guys have only graduated from the academy a little more than two months ago!" Iruka argued, "You're not ready for the advanced types of missions yet!"
"And when will we be?" Naruto asked. "When we're at war or something? These D-ranks do nothing to sharpen our talents as ninjas!"
"Naruto," Hiruzen said patiently, "these D-rank missions do serve a purpose, believe it or not. They're designed to strengthen teamwork dynamics and plan formations. And since you seek to become Hokage, you must cultivate an intense love for the village and view everything about it as precious and worth taking care of, as a father nurtures and takes care of his children. When it comes to raising, caring for, and protecting his children, no task is too tedious, too small, or too great for the father."
"That's a touching speech, Jiisan," Naruto remarked offhandedly. "Now give us a real mission!"
Hiruzen took a breath to control himself, seeing how Naruto disrespectfully brushed his words off. It amazed Sasuke and everyone else in the room how Naruto was still standing without the Hokage suddenly upon him ready to strike him down and to remind him of his place. Then again, Naruto took out the Hokage before, twice in fact.
"Forgive Naruto's behavior, Sandaime-sama," Kakashi said. "I'll be sure to have a word with-"
Hiruzen raised his hand to cut Kakashi off.
"Based on the progress your Genin team has made," Hiruzen said. "I'll give them a different mission to further improve their expertise. Kakashi, I will assign your team a C-rank mission. You'll be going to Nami No Kuni to escort an elderly man home and also to protect him from bandits and the like as he builds his bridge."
"Sandaime-sama," Iruka said, "do you think they're ready for such a mission?"
"Don't underestimate us, Iruka-sensei," Naruto said. "We're stronger than others believe us to be. Isn't that right?"
Sasuke and Sakura nodded in agreement.
"Then it's settled," Kakashi said. "My team accepts the mission."
Hiruzen nodded to the secretary to bring in the client. A moment later, the secretary returned back into the office with their partially drunk client.
"Tazuna," Hiruzen said, "these four will be your escort to Nami No Kuni."
The man turned and looked at the group in front of him.
"You got to be kidding me! (Hiccup) I asked for a skilled ninja escort, and all I get is a team filled with children who just hit puberty and a spiky-haired Cyclops? (Hiccup)" said Tazuna.
Naruto and the other Genin looked less than happy upon seeing what kind of client they had to put up with. Tazuna went to drink from his bottle when…
"My team and I are capable of completing the task, Tazuna," Kakashi said. "After all, this is just a basic escort mission, so please refrain from underestimating us or our abilities."
"Team 7," Hiruzen said, "you are to meet at the East Gate at 8 a.m. sharp tomorrow to head out for Nami No Kuni with Tazuna. Use this time to make all of your preparations. Till then, you're all dismissed."
Everyone left the office and went about their business.
"Our first C-rank mission," Sakura said, "I wonder what we're going to run into along the way."
"We'll only know if we see the mission through," Sasuke remarked, "You're not thinking of chickening out, are you?"
"No, no," Sakura said quickly, not wanting any form of disapproval from Sasuke. "I'm just surprised that we actually got a C-rank mission after so many D-rank ones."
"It's thanks to me we got one," Naruto said. "Otherwise, we'd be doing dishes again for hours at that same restaurant like last time."
"Don't remind us," Sasuke replied.
(The Next Morning)
Team 7, geared up with supplies and equipment, was ready and waiting at the East Gate. Kakashi appeared with their client at 8 o'clock on the dot.
"You're on time for once," Sakura remarked.
"I know I'm tardy for team training," Kakashi said, "But missions outside Konoha's walls assigned by the Hokage take higher priority."
"So we see," Sasuke replied wryly.
"Well," Kakashi said. "Now that we're all here, we'll leave now and start our trek to Nami No Kuni."
The three Genin of Team 7 formed a protective circle around Tazuna while Kakashi took the lead in the front as they started on their journey from Konoha to Nami No Kuni.
Team 7, a dysfunctional team willing to work together despite their differences. They and Kakashi are on their way to Nami No Kuni. Who will they meet and what will they encounter on the way? Find out next time.
Kaze Sokudo Chikara: Wind Speed Force
Katon: Gōkakyū No Jutsu: Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique
Nami No Kuni: Land of Waves
Suiken: Drunken Fist