"Naruto-san, you've been really quiet." Shino observed as the trio ate breakfast before starting their final push into Konoha. It wouldn't take long to arrive to the village as they'd kept an impressive pace before stopping the night before. As they ate, the Aburame and Nara noticed their teammate seemed lost in thought. It wasn't unusual but the periods of silence often resulted in something novel so Shino was curious what could be formulating in the redhead's mind.
"Oh, sorry," he said, scratching the back of his head, "I was just thinking, when that Aoi bastard activated the Raijin no Ken, if he'd been in a dust cloud of coal he'd have blown himself up. I was wondering if I could create a jutsu to do so. Just think, a trap jutsu against raiton users from the element that is weakest against it." The other two boys perked up at the thought.
"If he had, we'd have lost a treasure of the village," Shikamaru started, pointing to the lightning sword clipped to Naruto's waist and then followed up with, "What would be the complications?" Shikamaru asked.
"Very few doton are performed by strictly internal manipulation. The chakra is generally directed toward the ground. But a dust cloud would be released from the mouth, I'd imagine. To try to do it from the ground would just seem too uncontrollable." Naruto started, "another issue is getting the correct rock type and then into dust."
"Sounds troublesome."
"Potentially, I won't know until I start the process. Sometimes the manipulation is easier than you think it'll be. If it works, I likely won't keep it a clan technique, given our status with Kumo and the abundance of doton users."
"That would certainly endear you to many of the forces." Shino observed.
"For some reason, I doubt it." Naruto replied then started breaking down camp. His squadmates only frowned slightly in acknowledgement of his words, not liking that their upbeat teammate didn't have much faith in his comrades.
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Three medics and a mad scientist sit around Orochimaru's rectangular kitchen table. After Naruto's query about the [Poison Mist Jutsu] Orochimaru thought it wise to enlist the help of Tsunade and Shizune. They'd likely take a different approach than either she or Kabuto would. It didn't take long for Tsunade to conclude the original jutsu was a necrotoxin, meant to cause rapid and expansive cellular death. The challenge was to adapt that to other types. It seemed all were energized by this new puzzle.
Orochimaru had managed to create a myotoxin, one mimicking some of her summons. She could even control if it simply paralyzed or was eventually fatal. Tsunade and Shizune were able to create a neurotoxin variant. The meeting was to decide where else to take their project and who they'd teach, if any, these new techniques. While all the women were enthused with their progress, Kabuto quietly fumed that the inspiration for this was Naruto, someone he was convinced was in need of promote removal. He hated how his mistress wouldn't even consider using live subjects to test her new jutsu. She claimed it was not worth the risk as they were still being watched but he suspected it was because her newest student wouldn't approve. As if his opinion mattered in the slightest.
"Kabuto-kun, would you like the join us?"
"Sorry, Orochimaru-sama." The former spy said, adjusting his glasses as he did, which did not go unnoticed.
"As I was saying, these aren't like elemental ninjutsu. Having a high degree of scientific knowledge is necessary to properly form the jutsu. That really only leaves Iryo-nin to learn them."
"Anko would have sufficient knowledge, she deals with poisons and I trained her well in the sciences."
"Anko-san may be ideal. Unfortunately, from what Tsunade-sama and I have witnessed, we have a lot of medics but virtually no combat medics in the regular forces. I'd hesitate teaching a non-combatant these and I can't estimate how long it'd take them to get back up to par." Shizune stated before taking a sip of teach from the floral patterned cup.
"Agreed." Tsunade said, annoyed. "We've got a new crop, from Chunin to Genin but they are still learning the basics so B-rank jutsu that could harm them if not performed correctly, I just can't see it. What about you?" She asked the Snake Sannin.
"Mine roughly mimic the venom of my summons so having a close bond with the snakes would make it easier. I'll pass on a scroll to Anko as I doubt she'd welcome my presence. But as for your versions, Karin would be able to manage it. She's no Genin, I assure you of that."
"I'll consider it, it'd be nice to share something with my cousin clan. So, what's next?"
"Shape manipulation." Orochimaru said and then laughed when all three medics hung their heads. It's a truism but medics are complete and total crap at advanced shape manipulation. "I'll get Naruto-kun to contribute if neither of you mind."
"Great, he'll have a six headed poison bird flying around in no time." Kabuto muttered absentmindedly. Causing Orochimaru to put eyes on him, Tsunade quirked her brow and Shizune frowned in response.
"Sounds like someone is jealous of your new student. What's wrong, brat, Sensei not giving you enough personal attention." Tsunade teased. Kabuto would normally glare at someone that mocked him but he liked having his head attached to his body so he decided to play along.
"I'll admit, it is difficult not to feel inadequate around Naruto-kun. To be so gifted at such an age."
"Kukuku, fret not, Kabuto-kun. Your talents may lie elsewhere but they are considerable." The foursome finished their meeting and the Slug Sannin departed with her student. While she had placated him then, Orochimaru had no intention of doing so now that they were alone.
"We clearly need to talk, Kabuto-kun."
"About what, Orochimaru-sama?" The question earned him the Kusanagi to his throat.
"Have you grown so arrogant as to think you can play dumb with me, boy?" The White Snake asked, pressing the blade just hard enough it wouldn't draw blood. Kabuto did a small shake of his head and she withdrew her sword. "Now, what is your problem?" The medic knew he couldn't say what he really wanted to, that the red haired Uzumaki was dulling her blade. That he was a bad influence on her, changing her in small but noticeable ways and he hated it. That he missed twisting lower life forms as they laid, helpless, on a cold steel table. Then an idea struck him.
"I feel restless, Orochimaru-sama. When I was a double agent there was at least the risk of that, as well as being able to do our work. But now, I'm a genin. The Sandaime isn't going to promote me in retaliation for being a spy, the only thing that saves me is your pardon. I need something to do, I'm going stir crazy. I'm sorry."
"Kukuku, I can relate. I detest when things stagnate. I'll see if I can arrange a mission for you, something nice and bloody. How's that sound?"
"Like just what I need, Orochimaru-sama."
"I'll set it up but don't you have a shift at the hospital?"
"Yes, I do. I'll leave now." Kabuto stated and vacated the manor.
Orochimaru wasted no time summon a snake, a puff adder that was brown with specks of black. Orochimaru looked down the small snake and relayed her orders, "Go to Guren-chan, tell her I believe Kabuto may be planning to betray me. Tell her to make the necessary preparations and wait for confirmation." The snake dispelled itself and she continued to sit at her table, now deep in thought.
Kabuto would be recognized as her second in command by most but truthfully, she's never trusted the spy. He worked for someone attempting to kill her and his greatest skill is his duplicity. But he believed he was her most trusted, most relied on subordinate. Kabuto likely believes he knows more about her plans and her network than anyone else. He knows a tiny fraction and she had kept track of how much he knew so if he ever turned on her, all of his information could be rendered moot as she burned those segments. Only Kimimaro and Guren had her full faith as far as subordinates went and both had the good sense to never be jealous of Naruto. He was different and meant for more.
Kabuto had seemingly forgotten this or just disliked it enough to consider rebelling. It was a shame, he was a talented medic and researcher. He hadn't maximized his potential but if he were committed to betraying her then Kabuto would meet a slow and painful end. His ability to self-heal would only prolong his suffering. Her only true concern was that Kabuto wouldn't target herself but Naruto. She'd simply watch and wait as this might just be adolescent petulance.
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A samurai, trained in Iron Country by the famed Ito "Iron Wolf" Watanabe, sat just inside the check in gate of Konoha. He'd do this periodically, waiting for his target and it seemed his steadfastness and patience had finally paid off. Three pre-teens, were at the gate and he could finally complete the task given to him by his new lord.
One of the boys had horrible posture for an alleged warrior and looked incredibly lazy. Another, covered up in a large jacket with his eyes guarded by darkened glasses just seemed to want to fade into the background. But it was the last one, the short one in a flak jacket similar to the lazy boy, except he had a sword strapped to his back. Red hair down to his shoulders and three whisker marks on each cheek. This was the alleged fearsome warrior that had caused such damage?
It was somewhat hard to believe but as a trained samurai he knew ninja could do some truly incredible things. Nothing a true samurai had to worry about, like many of the initiants of Iron Country, he believed shinobi could not stand up to them in direct combat but only win through disreputable and honorless methods. That's why he planned to challenge the boy directly. A part of him distressed at killing one so young, the boy had chosen his path and must walk it to its very end.
He put his hand on the hilt of his sword, preparing to walk toward the so called tiger but the boy disappeared in a blur, leaving only his teammates to come through the gate. He approached the two boys, his back straight, his gait smooth but purposeful. He would always display his pride as a swordsman, a warrior and would use it to intimidate the two youngsters.
"Excuse me, may I have a word?" he asked, his face emotionless.
"Regarding what?" the covered up boy asked.
"That boy that just departed, was he Uzumaki Naruto?"
Without missing a beat, the lazy boy asked, "Troublesome, why do you want to know?"
"We have a private matter to settle and it cannot be delayed." he said, grip tightening on his sword. The boys made a face, he assumed they were debate whether or not to tell him.
"Konoha shinobi don't give information about their comrades to strangers. If you want to meet Uzumaki Naruto you should go to the Hokage so he can set it up." The lazy boy said.
"I may not be able to get a meeting with your leader and this is time sensitive. If that was Naruto-san, you'd do well to tell me now so I can be on my way."
"Forgive me, but that sounded like a threat. Are you threatening us, Samurai-san?" the other boy, he'd almost forgot was there, asked. Now, he was receiving the attention of others and realized it was in his interest not to press things further.
"If you know Naruto-san, please have him meet me at the Shimmering Leaf, it would be appreciated." and the swordsman walked away.
"He never did give us a name." Shino observed.
"Troublesome, we better report this." Shikamaru said before a weasel masked ANBU appeared before them.
"It is already known, Nara-san. You may go about your day." He said dryly and shunshin'd away.
"Troublesome."
"Shino, that's my line."
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Naruto entered the Hokage's office with an impassive face, the one he always adopted when dealing with the Old Man. He was surprised to see his advisors and Tsunade in attendance. It, he reasoned, explained why he was requested to report directly to the Hokage alone. He stepped forward and greeted the Hokage formally. The man didn't visibly react but it still hurt that his bond with Naruto was gone. However they had more important matters and it'd be another indictment on his foolishness.
"Thank you for getting here so promptly, Naruto-kun. As you can surmise, I didn't call you hear for a debriefing on a standard C-rank. Instead, I am here to inform you of some important information." Naruto kept his impassive facade but internally wondered what could be so important to him specifically. The Hokage, after taking a moment, continued, "As you know, soon we will be in a state of war, officially. When that happens, you as a jinchuuriki will no longer be in the traditional chain of command. All Hidden Villages do this, we just don't let it be known who our jinchuuriki are. In fact, until it is declared the war has ended you'd be under the direct command of the sitting Hokage."
"Your status, Naruto, would be equal to the Jounin and ANBU commanders," Homura added. "During the Third Shinobi War, your mother was not on the battlefield for long, instead she was in charge of domestic security. Her fuinjutsu knowledge and talent with barriers made her ideal for keeping Konoha safe from any parties trying to attack us directly."
"Most of the shinobi forces that knew her were too afraid to contradict her and none questioned her status when Hiruzen gave the order." Koharu stated.
"We haven't decided what your overall status would be but I am leaning towards Chunin commander. You should start studying strategy and tactics in case. You should also keep in mind, there will be pushback but you'll have to find a way to navigate it." Hiruzen finished and the Uzumaki lost his face, feeling overwhelmed but more so angry.
"If only I'd been a Chunin for longer than five minutes. How do you expect the largest section of the shinobi forces to listen to a twelve year old that just got promoted?" Naruto asked, seethingly.
"I know this isn't ideal Naruto-kun, but it is what must be done. We'll be firming up our plans for the invasion and relaying it all to you soon. Now, if there isn't anything pressing you need to share you are dismissed."
Naruto unhooked something from his back and turned toward Tsunade, who'd been quiet this entire time as her voice was already horse with rage. "I retrieved the Raijin no Ken, here you go Oba-chan," Naruto said, throwing the hilt to the Slug Sannin and departing before any questions could be asked. He also missed the fond smile Tsunade, Koharu, and Homura had of the lost Senju treasure and reminder of their family and sensei respectively. It was short lived.
"He's not ready for this." Tsunade said, rasply.
"He has no choice but to be."
"People are guaranteed to die, you're going to put the responsibility on him with no previous command experience?"
"Once again, this is what is needed, Tsunade. Whatever scheme we go with, Kurenai won't be there. I can't run the risk of someone intentionally putting him in harm's way. And this will show the others that he isn't some monster but truly one of them. Conversely, Naruto will see he isn't as detested as he thinks he is. I know it's my fault I've allowed that impression to continue but he'll see. Some are hesitant because he is so capable with minimal training from us and Orochimaru's interest but I believe he'll sit in this chair one day. The path starts now."
"Your machinations of late have left a lot to be desired but on this, I agree. Naruto thinks only a handful of people see him for who he is, some more simply tolerate him. That belief cannot continue. He needs to see that his comrades are not bigots or potential enemies. That he can depend on them and they will acknowledge his value. There aren't many ways to do that, this invasion offers an opportunity." Koharu supplied, surprising all in attendance.
"Then why not start preparing him sooner?" Tsunade asked.
"He needed to increase his combat effectiveness to that of a respectable Jounin. From the reports I've seen, he's reached that level and that's without the Kyuubi chakra."
"So, what, you think he's an S-class ninja?" Tsunade asked sarcastically.
"No, don't be foolish. But I do believe, with adequate information and time to plan he can kill one."