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A / Onoki's POV (Hidden Cloud / Hidden Stone Village)
A smiled to himself as his group journeyed home in the style he always traveled. The Raikage had long trained his men on how to treat him and present themselves. The Jounin marched around him like an army, in sync and tirelessly. The lesser ranks carried the carriage A rode on by hand. The Anbu trailed them visibly but at the edges of the group. Purposefully showing their full might as they made the journey home. Which would be horrifying to see such a force openly marching. It would surely make a boring trip more entertaining!
The spectacle was usually enough to keep A in a good mood; however, today was unnecessary. The exams had gone poorly initially, and even his impressive Samui was performing poorly. Yet none of that mattered either. His spies had discovered a pretty juicy bit of info.
Several members of the Hidden Leaf Village had gone missing during the exams. The exact number and specific members missing couldn't be verified… well except one. One that filled A with anticipation and wonder, the jinchuriki of the Leaf was missing…
Onoki's POV
"Is what you say true?" The Tsuchikage of the Stone asked, his face matching his village's moniker. "This is nothing to report lightly…"
"Well, we can't be certain yet, uh sir," Akatsuchi replied jovially. "Our spies did report such, but as I'm sure you're aware, it could be mere speculation or rumor. Though personally, I believe it! Looking back, there did seem to be some notable folks missing during the party. A shame too, the samurai threw a shockingly enjoyable party…"
"Focus, you fool!" Onoki snapped. "So the information suggests the jinchuriki of the Kyuubi is missing?"
"Sir, it seems so; the Leaf even left in a hurry. And our spies confirmed a secret meeting between Hiruzen the Hokage and Mifune General of the Land of Iron. Certainly seems to suggest something was wrong. Something wrong enough they left before the others could hear of it. And if it was true, it would be wise to leave; even among the great villages, the Leaf has many enemies." Akatsuki replied.
"Of course, it would be foolish to not even consider a move if this was true. The Leaf has always been a fearsome foe, not only for their annoying exceptional shinobi but because the Kyuubi is arguably the strongest of the tailed beast. A subtle trick from that Hashirama bastard that haunts us all to this day. But if it was gone…" Onoki chuckled dryly. "Better yet, that young man in particular being gone would be most opportune for everyone…"
"Naruto Uzumaki?" Akatsuchi asked, confused. "Besides his status as jinchuriki, he seems unremarkable to me, sir, if not a tad bit entertaining."
"How short people's memories are…" Onoki mumbled to himself. "A blonde male, with considerable power without even using his beast, who just so happens to be a jinchuriki. Nothing jumping out at you?"
"Hmm, I suppose he almost looks like that wretched Minato… but he's an Uzumaki. Besides, surely no father would be as cold as imprisoning a beast within their child." Akatsuchi said with apparent disbelief.
Onoki sighed with deep annoyance. "Close but far as usual, our village is fortunate enough to have the hardy and loyal type of citizens. Without fail we find suitable host for each generation. However most other villages have to be selective with who they choose. While it's cruel, sacrificing someone you know is often safer. Better the known option; besides, it's only a hunch for now. While he may be powerful, he's awfully different from Minato… However-
A's POV
However unlikely it was that Naruto Uzumaki was both jinchuriki and spawn of Minato. It was more likely than A was comfortable with. If the Leaf managed to raise another Minato and one who was a jinchuriki, they might become too strong to stop.
It was fortunate it seemed someone had made a move on the blonde. A shame, considering the progress Samui had seemingly made. But it would be foolish not to take advantage if the Leaf were weakened. As long as the Five Great Villages had existed, the Leaf had been incorrectly heralded as the strongest. Even more frustrating was their performance in the wars. It, among other reasons, had been how the old fool Hiruzen had convinced him of this new academic route for shinobi. But now, if they had lost their weapon and even more men…
A's ambition was palpable. He had only tolerated this peace to ensure they did not interfere with his plans. But it had been grating for A, just as his sensei had taught him and the Cloud has always done. A truly wished to conquer and expand their domain. Make the Cloud better as a truly great leader did.
But he would move cautiously. A knew that moving recklessly would leave him nearly as open as the Leaf was supposedly now. A would first have to get a confirmation for this information. And if the rumors were true?
A and Onoki's POV
"It's finally time to end this useless peace…"
"We may just have to end this peace…"
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Naruto / Ichumi's POV (Southern Swamps of Irminsul - Terra)
Naruto and Kiba stared each other down intensely. Naruto wasn't sure why Kiba seemed so gung-ho about fighting him. The two were distant friends, not too far from strangers. And yet, while he was being controlled, Naruto felt an odd sense of honesty from Kiba. As if his frustration wasn't purely born from his control but amplified by it… (1)
Naruto glanced over to the clone carrying the downed Yuno, snapping his eyes back to ensure Kiba hadn't moved. But the Inuzuka had not moved and seemed amused by his concern.
"This fight has been a long time coming, maybe not for you, but certainly for me," Kiba barked. "So it's fine you put her out of the way. We men have a pecking order to establish. Then the masters will use you as nothing more than a second string for me…"
The Blonde didn't quite understand Kiba's ramble, but it made things easier. Naruto jerked his head to the side; understanding his meaning, Kiba joined the blonde as the two raced off a decent distance from the tree the Blonde's clone was guarding the downed Yuno. The two stood in an area of murky water mostly clear of debris except small tries and large stones.
"Kiba," Naruto yelled. "What the hell?! You were never the kind of guy I imagined letting himself be ordered around! What are you some kind of goon now?! Are you really gonna let some bastard make you hurt your friends?!"
"Shut up, Blondie," Kiba replied mockingly. "Sure, the masters are the reason we're both here. And I'd be lying if I said I'd normally do this, but rest assured. There is a part of me that loves this."
"You don't mean that," Naruto spat. They influence your mind, making you irate towards me to support their own will. Can't you see they're merely using you?"
"Of course the Masters are." Kiba flippantly responded. "However, I'm using them too. I may have to do their bidding, but at least I won't fall behind. At least now I can be the alpha I always should've been…"
"Why does any of that matter?! The Kiba I thought I knew would never take a shortcut or bow to anyone!" Naruto spoke patiently.
"You're right, of course…" Kiba admitted with ease. "Perhaps their control makes me indifferent, but I can swallow my indignation in exchange for power. You, in particular, are not allowed to surpass me, Blondie…"
Naruto was stunned by his words, which seemed to only amuse Kiba, as he chuckled wildly. The Blonde felt indignant fury at this. Kiba had been friendly before; had he always looked down on him? Naruto could feel his patience snap. The pressure of the last few duels fueled him as he bitterly responded, "So it's like that aye? I thought we were rivals…"
"Fuck that!" Kiba roared indignantly. "You seemed alright to me; Shikamaru spoke up for you, but you're nothing! You're just a clanless nobody with a monster sealed inside you! You were supposed to be the pathetic oddball. The one we all feel bad for as we surpass you! Yet you wouldn't fulfill that simple role… Yuno told me what happened in the exams… after my pathetic defeat…"
"The exams?" Naruto asked, confused. "The hell does that have to-"
"I fought a monster not dissimilar to yourself. Gaara of the Sand, my training and skills were meaningless; he crushed me with ease. Yet you won with ease, even making it to the semi-finals against that beast…" Kiba ranted. And you had the gall to do better than me… Yuno told the masters of the Leaf Genin you were the strongest… even stronger than the infamous genius Sasuke Uchia." Kiba finished his rant with a growl.
"Why does any of that matter?" Naruto responded indignantly.
"A nobody like you, surpassing a proud Inuzuka member like myself…" Kiba murmured as if speaking to himself. "It's not right; it invalidates my efforts and accomplishments. Does it mean my potential is small? Are my skills truly so unremarkable? My efforts and knowledge all for nothing? Does the pride of the Inuzuka amount to anything?! But then, the masters provided the clarity I needed. It's all so clear to me now…" (2)
"Sounds like they filled your head with nonsense." Naruto countered. "If I'm stronger than you, you merely need to catch up. Train harder and work with your allies. It's not the end of the world, I'm sure you can-"
"Shut up," Kiba said morosely. "The masters may have taken control but, in doing so, made me stronger. Unlike the trifling level of power Yuno got, they saw potential in me and offered me an entire new style. One that, even without Akamaru, will make me more than strong enough to stomp out a trash fire like yourself," Kiba said as he dropped to all fours with a wide, maniacal smile.
"Fine, if you don't listen to my words, I'll beat some sense into you!" Naruto roared as he sheathed Riptide and then launched himself forward.
"Putting away your little blade is unwise!" Kiba roared as he charged forward as well.
"Like you said, I'm stronger. Besides, I don't need to hurt you, just kick your ass!" Naruto retorted as the two closed in.