Chapter 15

Kakashi looked over his team as they slept. They were half a day away from the gates of Konoha but he did not wish to move at night. He was keeping watch over their campsite even though his thoughts were on them. As he looked at each of them, he couldn’t help but think how much they had changed.

Sakura was taking her role a bit more serious than before. She still fawned over the last Uchiha like always but she trained more to keep up with Sasuke and Naruto. The genjutsu that Naruto had parted with was the Moya Kyougijou (Haze Field). It was a technique that disrupted the enemy’s sight of the attacker. With this jutsu, it made Sakura a bit dangerous. Naruto even comment that Sakura had technique to molest Sasuke with. That earned Naruto a one way trip to dreamland courtesy of Sakura. Also with her increase of her stamina and chakra, she may actually keep up with the two boys.

Sasuke had asked or rather demanded that he start training him in using the Sharingan. Kakashi agreed and trained him. He trained him in every aspect of the Sharingan and even allowed him to copy some of the fire jutsu that he knew. One was the Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu (Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique) and the other was the Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu (Fire Release: Phoenix Immortal Fire Technique). Being an Uchiha he learned each jutsu with ease.

Naruto had kept to himself. His respect for the team and him seem to go down a few more notches. He was at least civil with Sakura until he insulted her and he would help her with her taijutsu. He and Sasuke didn’t get along at all. Sasuke had demanded that Naruto showed him how to do that water technique. Naruto gave him a not so friendly reply that almost started a fight. With him, Naruto often just ignored him unless he was talking to him directly. He remembered that he was reading off a scroll about seals and had offered the help. Naruto reply sarcastically and mockingly toward him that Kakashi didn’t even bother.

In all Kakashi was happy with his team’s improvement. He could do without Naruto’s attitude but in all he was happy. He jumped down from the tree branch and nudged Naruto awake. The blond woke up and looked at his sensei.

“It’s your shift Naruto.” He said

“Yeah, yeah, one-eye. I’m up.” Naruto said and grabbed his jacket. As he placed on his jacket, Kakashi spoke.

“You know, my offer still stands. I could help you understand the scroll you have.”

“Why the sudden interest, sensei? Aren’t you too busy training Sasuke?” Naruto asked

“I don’t expect you to understand but the only one who can train Sasuke with the Sharingan is me. That is the only reason that I’ve been with him more than you and Sakura.” He explained

“Whatever helps you sleep at night sensei.” Naruto replied and jumped onto the branch which Kakashi was on. Kakashi sighed and when into his sleeping bag.

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Team seven had finally reached home and Naruto couldn’t be happier. He left his team and ran toward the gates. He was surprised to see Anko waiting at the gates.

“Oneesan!!” Naruto shouted. Anko turned to the noise and saw Naruto running towards her. Anko gave Naruto a very happy smile as the young boy ran to her with a big grin on his face. It was a beautiful moment that ended as soon as Naruto got close enough. When team seven came into view, Anko had Naruto in a vise grip hold as she checked up on him. It was a very hilarious scene but to Kakashi it would be death if she found anything. He silently prayed that the Kyuubi healed every wound on him.

As they got closer, they heard the two arguing.

“Hey, I was concerned for you. Stop your damn whining.” Anko shouted

“You nearly ripped my head off you crazy bitch.” Naruto yelled

“I’ll rip your head off if you want, you blond rat.”

“Who are you calling a rat?”

“You want to go?” Anko said while pulling out a kunai

“I’ll cream ya.” Naruto replied. The two glared at each other while growling at each other. Kakashi decided to end this stare off.

“As fun as this would be, we need to see the Hokage Anko. We need to turn in our report.” Kakashi said. Anko suddenly noticed the look that crossed the face of Naruto. It wasn’t one of sadness but it looked like that he was dreading this meeting. Something in her gut told her that Naruto was bothered by something. He didn’t get two steps before Anko stopped him. She gave him a shushing motion and soon the two disappeared in a swirl of leaves. Kakashi did not notice until it was too late.

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The two were in Anko’s apartment. She set down some dango and some tea on her table. She sat across from Naruto and relaxed. She stared at the boy who seemed really nervous.

“So are you going tell me why you were so worried about meeting the Hokage?” Naruto just rubbed his head and avoided Anko’s gaze. “I’m not going to punish you Naruto. You can tell me what is wrong.” After a few more seconds of silence, Naruto sighed and looked at Anko.

“I think I felt ‘his’ chakra during the mission.” Naruto said

“‘His’ chakra?” Anko asked confused. Naruto pointed to his stomach and Anko eyes went wide. Naruto then went into the fight at the bridge. He left nothing out and Anko sat there in deep thought.

‘So he can access the Kyuubi chakra under extreme emotions. That must mean that there is a crack in the seal. This isn’t something I can help him. Perhaps the Hokage could help.’ She thought. She broke out of her thoughts just as Naruto finished his story.

“Well, I can see you’re over the death of Zabuza and Haku. It’s the Kyuubi’s chakra that worries you.” Anko said

“I-I lost control because I wasn’t in control of my emotions. What will happen if I lose control again? I’m scared of that happening. If it happens then the old man won’t have a choice but to deal with me.” Naruto said while his head was down. Anko had never seen such a side of Naruto.

‘He’s really concerned about this. I probably have to answer to the Hokage later for this but right now my little brother needs me.’ Anko stood and walked behind Naruto. She pulled him into a hug. Naruto was shocked and confused. He knew that Anko did care about him but she never really showed such physical contact. Anko smirked as she felt his confusion.

“Even I can be comforting you know.” She said. “Look, I don’t really know what to tell you but I know that the Hokage would never see you as a threat. Even if he did, I would never let it happen. We just have to find a way to deal with this. We’ll find a way, I promise.”

“Thanks, oneesan. I fell a lot better now.” Naruto whispered

“Good and if you tell anyone about this, I’ll gut you like a fish. Understand?” Anko asked

“Crystal.” Naruto gulped

“Very good, now let’s see what you’ve learned from your mission.”

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Over the next month, team seven had done D-rank missions. Though it was boring, Naruto bearded it. During that month he had learned another technique from Anko. It was a jounin technique called Doton: Yomi Numa(Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld). It creates a large bog that would consume anything in the surrounding area. Naruto trained in this technique until he didn’t pass out. He was still learning from the sealing scroll and had five specialize kunais.

The only bad thing about the month was that, on three separate occasions, he almost decked Sasuke. The last Uchiha demanded that Naruto showed him some of his techniques. Naruto politely reminded him that he had given him a Katon scroll. Sasuke went on his high and mighty act and Naruto brought him back down to earth by a few swear words.

Now he just walked through the streets after his last D-rank mission. He really had nowhere to go so he was just walking around. That’s when he noticed the box that was following him. He smirked as he stopped the box with his foot.

“All right you three, come on out. Rocks aren’t square.” Naruto ordered. A blast later and three kids popped out of the box. It was Konohamaru and his two friends, Mogei and Udon. Konohamaru had introduced the two a while back as his friends. Even since then, the three had called themselves the Konohamaru Crops. After their little introduction, Konohamaru looked at Naruto.

“Naruto, you promised to play ninja with us.” Konohamaru said

“Can I take a rain check on that? Besides, Hinata-chan isn’t here.” Naruto said

“What type of ninja plays ninja?” said a voice. Everyone turned to see Sakura standing there. She had a look of disappointment on her face.

“Shot down again, huh pinky?” asked Naruto

“Shut up!!!” she exclaimed. She huffed as she thought back to what Sasuke had said to her. ‘Naruto isn’t stronger than me. Sure he may have some powerful techniques but he’s too dumb to use them properly.’

“Hey, is this your…” Konohamaru said while making a gesture with his pinky finger. Sakura and Naruto both looked disgusted. Naruto made gagging noises as he faced his friend.

“Oh sweet Kami, no! Why would you say something like that? Come on man, I can certainly get someone much prettier” Sakura looked ready to explode as Naruto pointed at her. Konohamaru just look at his hero and chuckled.

“Sorry about that boss. Besides, she isn’t a pretty as Hinata,” Sakura eyes twitched. “Hinata-oneesan is way curvier that her,” Sakura eyes went white. “Plus, she has that huge forehead of hers.” That’s when the final straw broke. A loud roar was heard throughout Konoha, as Naruto and the Konohamaru gang ran for their lives with Sakura hot on their heels.

“Run, guys, run. Keep running and don’t look back.” Naruto shouted. Konohamaru found a second wind and blasted past the rest of the group. Naruto continued to keep running until he heard Konohamaru scream. Naruto ran toward the sound and turned to corner to see his friend held up in the air by his shirt. He was standing next to a girl with a big and flat iron rod.

“Stupid brat, what where you’re going?” he snarled

“We don’t have time for this. He’ll be angry with us.” The girl said

“He isn’t even here. Besides, this brat needs to be thought a lesson.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I was you.” The two teen turned to see Naruto standing with Mogei and Udon. He gave both of them a hard look.

“Oh, and why wouldn’t I want to?” he asked

“Well, the two ninjas at your sides and the boy’s guardian wouldn’t be too happy.” Naruto explained

“What the hell are you talking…”

“Uh, Kankuro.” Kankuro turned to the girl and she pointed to the roof. He looked to see an ANBU ninja with his hand on his blade. He gulped and turned to his left and saw another ANBU ninja with his hand on the blade as well.

“You will release the honorable grandson of our Hokage at once.” Said a voice. They turned to see Ebisu who was radiating a very large killer intent. Kankuro grumbled and dropped Konohamaru.

“You got lucky punk.” He growled. He turned to walk away while the girl gave an apology. Once the two were out of site, the two ANBU members jumped down and stood with Konohamaru. Naruto walked up with to them. Konohamaru glared at Naruto.

“How come you didn’t do anything?” he shouted.

“Konohamaru, what is a ninja’s greatest asset?” Konohamaru looked confused before he heard the chuckling of the three adults. In puffs of smoke, the three ninjas turned into three Narutos. The three then disappeared and there was only one. “Deception. Why fight when you can outsmart your opponent?” Naruto explained. The three kids looked at him in awe and all of them shouted words of praise. That however, gave up their location and Naruto had no chance when Sakura pounced on him. As the pink haired devil pummeled her teammate, four figures disappeared without being seen.

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Authors’ Notes: Well, I left you a cliffhanger here. Who are these mysterious figures? As if you didn’t know. Later.