30It was an early morning in Konoha, Naruto along with Sakura and Sasuke whom he had been teamed with, were currently waiting or their instructor to show up, they had been told that they would have to take a test to ensure they could become genin and so the three was waiting at the training ground chosen by their instructor.
Naruto had enjoyed the laid back and lazy attitude of his instructor Kakashi Hatake, the silver haired man looked to enjoy riddling up his teammates though only Sakura would give a verbal response it was clear that Sasuke had been upset with their instructors attitude, Naruto had enjoyed seeing his two teammates being annoyed by their sensei.
He had a dislike for the stoic Uchiha who seemed to think he was above everyone else due to his linage, Sakura he disliked Sakura because she yelled half the time, which was the time not spend praising the ground Sasuke walked on.
Naruto however had decided that his dislike for his teammates should not get in the way of them working together so he had decided to not speak his mind on matters which he disagreed with his teammates.
The three to be genin had been waiting for close to three hours when Kakashi decided to appear.
'' Morning my cute students, I'm sorry I'm late but I got lost on the road of life '' Kakashi said giving them one of his eye smiles.
Before Sakura could start yelling at him, Naruto spoke up '' I knew it, I am not the only one '' he exclaimed looking at Kakashi with stars in his eyes.
Kakashi sweat dropped at Naruto's exclamation, Sasuke was doing his best to keep a chuckle from being heard, Sakura however was laughing at Kakashi's reaction.
After Sakura had stopped laughing, Kakashi explained the test to the genin. Once he had told them to start all three had run into hiding.
Having waited for almost half an hour Kakashi decided to go look for to be genin, jumping through the trees Kakashi soon found Sakura who was looking at the shadow clone he had left in his place to distract them.¨
Deciding to test her skills in Genjutsu which the notes he had received told she exceled at, he cast a minor genjutsu, showing her, her two teammates appeared in front of her with sword, kunais and other weapons sticking out of their bodies, Sakura go a shocked expression on her face before she yelled ''Sasuke!'' and fainted.
Shaking his head in disappointment Kakashi moved along and soon found the Uchiha who was praised as an prodigy, however his grades in nin- and taijutsu had been below those of his white haired teammate.
Jumping down in front of the black haired boy who was still observing his clone, he moved to kick him, but soon heard the sound of kunai piecing the air coming towards him, the Sasuke in front of him shimmered out of existing and he saw the Uchiha coming at him from the angle he would have most likely avoided too.
Deciding to see how good Sasuke was he jumped towards him, and ducked under a spin kick before blocking a fist to the side of his head, jumping back Sasuke followed him and send a fist towards his abdomen Kakashi grabbed his wrist.
Sasuke twisted around and aimed a high kick at Kakashi face, Kakashi caught his leg as well, before dumping the Uchiha on the ground, twisting his body as he fell Sasuke made a spin kick at Kakashi's leg forcing the man to jump into the air.
While airborne Kakashi spotted unnatural shadow appears on trees to his side, looking over he spotted Naruto sprinting towards him with his sword behind him, moving close to the speed of a jounin, Kakashi's lone visible eye widen in surprise at the shadow seem to cling around the white haired genin's body.
No sooner had he spotted the young boy, before Naruto was in front of him aiming his sword straight at his hearth, Kakashi swiftly replaced himself with a log which was cleaved cleanly in half where to sword impaled it.
Coming to a stop Naruto looked around and saw that his instructor had disappeared, extending his power he could feel his life force nearby, looking down at the grounded Uchiha he reached down his hand and help the boy up from the ground.
'' We should work together to catch the bells, he has knocked Sakura out so we can't expect any help from her, so it is just the two of us '' Naruto stated.
'' I cannot afford to fail here, so I will go along with your plan, but how do we find him '' Sasuke asked.
Moving closer Naruto whispered to Sasuke, Sasuke smirked once Naruto had told him his plan.
The two split up with Sasuke heading towards Kakashis location, pulling several shurikens into each hand, he tossed them towards Kakashi, once he saw Kakashi jump out of the tree he had been hidden in, Sasuke started going through hand seals rapidly before pulling one hand up to his mouth. 'Katon: Great fireball'
A huge ball of red flames flew in Kakashis direction, Kakashi's love visible eye widen in surprised that Sasuke was capable of performing the jutsu.
Kakashi quickly replaced himself with a log which was scorched instantly the moment the flames had enveloped it, appearing in a nearby bush Kakashi spotted Sasuke looking around from him, but his senses soon told him something was wrong, which was the moment he remembered Naruto. Quickly looking around he nearly missed the blur of black heading towards him.
Pulling out a kunai in each hand he prepared to engage Naruto in combat, the blur came to a halt in front of him, using a quick draw Naruto's sword headed towards Kakashi side, Kakashi used one of his kunais to deflect the attack while moving around to let his second kunai strike towards Naruto's chest.
Naruto however jumped back before holding out his hand towards Kakashi, a burst of dark energy surrounded Naruto before he spoke in a dark voice '' Melkoth's Mystifying Miasma'' Kakashi felt his body weaken and slow down and before he could react Naruto had become a blur again and ran passed him grabbing a hold of the bells hanging by Kakashi's side.
Naruto came to a stop and held the bells up with Sasuke stepping out behind Naruto with a smirk on his face, when Naruto gave him one of the bells.
'' Seems like we beat your little test, Kakashi-sensei '' Naruto said with a smile on his face.
'' It would seem that you did , but what was it you did to me before you grabbed the bells? '' Kakashi asked having been caught by surprise from Naruto's ability.
'' It's part of my bloodline, just like the shadows I used to increase my speed '' Naruto said. Kakashi gave Naruto a wondering look, he knew who the boys parents had been and knew that neither carried a bloodline, ' I will need to talk to the Hokage about this ' Kakashi thought to himself.
''However you still haven't found the true meaning behind this test, so I can't let you pass '' Kakashi said.
Sasuke became a knowing smile '' You mean her '' he said as he pointed over his shoulders towards Sakura who was sitting against a tree still out cold. '' I couldn't wake her up so we couldn't really have her help us seeing the time for the test will soon be up ''
Kakashi's lone eye went wide once again, these boys kept surprising him. The sound of the cloak going on bought Kakashi attention back, '' Well it seems like you have figured out my test, so congratulation you all pass, meet me at this training ground tomorrow morning at 9:00, Sasuke you bring Sakura home '' Kakashi said before he vanished.
Sasuke paled, he had to carry the pink haired fan girl home, the scenario of her waking up while he carried her caused him to turn towards Naruto with what came as close to a pleading look, that black haired boy could bring forth.
Naruto gave him a foxy smile before taking off leaving Sasuke with his burden.
It had been a month since team seven had become an active team and had started taking missions, so far they had used most of their time running through team exercises since Sasuke couldn't stand Sakura and Sakura hated Naruto for beating Sasuke in most of their exercises.
Sasuke and Naruto had however proven that they were able to work well together, Naruto had superior strength, agility and speed compared to his teammate, but Sasuke had a more varied skilled range, with a few Katon jutsus along with a few other offensive jutsus as well as the three learned in the academy.
Naruto focused on his taijutsu and swordsmanship, with a style called Iaijutsu, Iaijutsu is the style of drawing and striking the opponent in the same motion, much like Battojutsu which is the art of quick draw, however the different being Battojutsu is used for offensive techniques while Iaijutsu is a defensive use of the quick draw allowing its user to strike an attacker once they have begun their attack.
Naruto had begun taking lesson which had led to his mastery of Iaijutsu and currently learning Battojutsu from Hayate Gekkö , who is the best sword master in Konoha.
Sakura had begun to show more interest in her training ever since she learned that her two teammates had made them pass while she was out cold from a simple genjutsu, this had led to the kunochi putting her focus on genjutsu, so she could play a more supportive role with her two teammates having very offensive styles of fighting.
Naruto was currently standing face to face with his sword instructor having his sword sheathed and by his side with his right hand on the handle, Hayate was standing with his sword held in front of him, to minimize the time needed to move his sword to block an attack from Naruto.
Naruto sprang forth and drew he sword for a diagonal swing with the blade moving up from the ground, Hayate quickly swung his sword forcing Naruto's attack to go beside him.
After that they both sheathed their swords and Naruto gave a bow towards Hayate. ''Good job Naruto, you have finished learning Battojutsu from me, I am glad that Honoha has such a promising swords master to take over from me '' Hayate said with a smile, before he coughed a few times.
´´ I am glad to have learned from the best Hayate-sensei, with this my both my offense and defense can use the full potential, that my bloodline gives me '' Naruto said before bowing once more and leaving the clearing they had been training in.
Naruto walked around aimlessly for some time but soon found himself at the cemetery. ´This had happened a lot lately, why do I subconsciously feel drawn to this place?´ Naruto thought to himself.
Naruto was about to turn and leave when he felt a presence inside the cemetery, it felt as if whatever it was, was calling out to him. Naruto walking inside the cemetery and began to feel the dark energy from which some of his powers came from intensify. Ending up at a small chapel, Naruto opened the door and walking inside he could feel the presence near him but couldn't see anyone or anything.
Sitting down Naruto felt a tingling sensation run through his body, looking around he still couldn't see anything, closing his eyes he started to meditate, after some time meditating he felt something starting to touch his body, opening his eyes he came face to face with the ghost of a women, she gave him a smirk as she continued to touch his body.
Naruto put out his hand a grabbed one of the spirits hands surprising it. '' While I don't really mind you touching me, perhaps you should introduce yourself first miss '' Naruto stated
'' You may call me Honaka, It is no wonder I feel drawn to you, you can actually touch me '' the female ghost said as she started whirling her form around Naruto's body with her head landing on his shoulder.
'' I have been so very lonely '' she purred.
'' Be that as it may '' Naruto said before continuing '' My name is Naruto Uzumaki, I would like for you to serve me '' Naruto said as he put his hand on the ghost head and forced his energy into her.
She started changing colour from a snow like, see through white, to a greyish green colour.
'' You as my first tomb banshee shall server by my side at all times '' Naruto spoke in a deep voice that commanded respect.
Honaka looked at Naruto in awe a felt a need well up inside her to follow the young mans every command, '' Yes my lord '' She said making a smirk appear on Naruto's face '' However I expect you to take care of me since no one else has been able to see or touch me before '' she spoke in a lonely voice.
''Fear not my mistress of demise, no one will be able to ignore you in the future unless you so wish'' Naruto said as he stood up and held out his arm for her to take, she gave him a smile before locking her arm with his.
It had been a week since Naruto had met Honaka, and she had become his partner of sorts, Naruto had kept Honaka hidden from everyone he knew and only allowed her to manifest inside his apartment, Honaka had disliked the idea at first, but after having followed Naruto around for a day came to terms with it since her days would never been boring even as an observer and she could still make comments to Naruto.
Team seven was currently heading towards the Hokage tower were they would receive their mission, Kakashi had promised them their first C-ranked mission and all three genin were excided since this meant they would be outside of Konoha for the first time in their lives.
Naruto and Sakura had reached a neutral ground since that had been Kakashi's demand before he would let them take a C-ranked mission, however it was mostly Sasuke telling Sakura to drop her act towards Naruto that had let to it.
The team entered the office of the Hokage. '' Good morning everyone, here for another D-ranked mission I take it '' The old Hokage spoke as he reached out to take a D-ranked mission scroll.
'' No, Kakashi-sensei has allowed us to go on our first C-ranked mission today '' Naruto stated, the old ninja looked towards Kakashi for conformation which he received in the form of a nod.
'' Is that so, well in that case I have the perfect mission for you three, it's a co-op mission with our allies in Suna to ensure a strong alliance, after the trade agreement was modified a few years ago Suna has grown strong so to maintain the good relationship a few times each year we have co-op missions '' Sarutobi said before continuing.
'' However this means you will have to go without your sensei, meaning I will have to promote one of you to team leader for the duration of this mission''
'' Sasuke should be the team leader. He is the strongest and the smartest on our team '' Sakura said, causing Kakashi and Naruto to sigh at the obvious attempt to get in the good grace of the Uchiha.
Sasuke however shook his head. '' I think Naruto would be the best choice since he has the most strategic approach to things which is why he come out on top in most of our spars '' Sasuke said.
'' I agree with Sasuke-kun, Hokage-sama. Naruto-kun would be the best choice for team leader '' Kakashi added.
'' well in that case Naruto-kun , you will be team leader for this mission '' Sarutobi said as he held out a scroll for him to take, Naruto took the scroll and quickly read through the mission details once he had read them he passed them on to Sasuke, who also read them before giving it to Sakura.
'' Where do we meet the team from Suna? Hokage-sama '' Naruto asked
'' They should arrive shortly, your mission will begin in the afternoon, which mean you will have time to show the Suna team around in Konoha and get to know them before the mission begins '' Sarutobi said, getting nods from the three genin he was about to talk when a knock on the door interrupted him.
''Hokage-sama the team from Suna is here to see you '' came the female voice of his secretary from the other side of the door. '' Send them in '' Sarutobi replied.
Team seven stepped to the side to give the new arrivals space, the Suna team was made up of two females and a male member. A Blonde women with a large metal fan on her back, a boy with war paint on his face and a bandaged item of sorts on his back. And the final member who seemed to be the youngest, was a girl with long red almost orange hair reaching down below her shoulders to the small of her back, she carried a large gourd on her back and had black marks around her eyes.
The blond female stepped forward and bowed towards the Hokage '' Greetings Hokage-sama, I am Temari, no Sabaku, me and my team is ready for the joined mission '' She spoke before stepping back.
'' Great timing, the team standing to your side will be the team you are to work with, Naruto-kun would you please show our guest around '' Sarutobi said with a smile.
'' Of cause Hokage-sama, My name is Naruto Uzumaki, it is a pleasure to meet you '' Naruto said as he bowed gallantly towards the Suna team.
Temari blushed slightly before responding. '' It is a pleasure to meet you to Uzumaki-san my name is Temari no Sabaku, This is my brother Kankuro and my sister Gaara '' Temari introduced.
'' Pleasure to meet you, these are my teammates, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha '' Naruto said as presented each of his teammates. '' I believe we should get to know each other before the mission begins, so if you would please follow me, I will show you around in the leaf village'' Naruto said as he started to walk towards the door after having received a nod from Temari and Kankuro.
The two teams were walking up the streets of Konoha and Kankuro, Temari, Sasuke and Sakura had started to small talk, while Naruto and Gaara walked behind them.
'' Anything you would like to talk about Gaara-san '' Naruto spoke hoping to start a conversation with the red haired women.
'' No I prefer to be left alone '' Gaara said coldly.
'' That's a shame, a beauty such as yourself should be kept company '' Naruto said as he stepped closer to the red haired women. '' You even smell good '' Naruto said before leaning down to whisper into her ear.
'' I find the smell of blood on you quite exciting'' Naruto said, just as he was about to pull away he was send flying by sand that a flowed from the gourd on Gaara's back. Naruto landed on his feet and looked a Gaara with a smile on his face.
'' You don't have to be embarrassed '' Naruto joked, the killing intent rolled off the young women from Naruto's statement.
'' How dare you '' Gaara spoke as she send sand flying which surrounded the tall white haired male.
'' Gaara '' came the slightly commanding voice of Temari '' Why are you attacking Uzumaki-san '' Temari asked.
'' Oh, it is my own fault Temari-san, there is no need to worry your beautiful little sister wouldn't been able to do any permanent damage to me anyway '' Naruto said with a reassuring smile, and even though Temari wanted to believe him, she knew the power Gaara held was far greater than what was normal for a genin.
Before anyone could react the sand surrounded Naruto and crushed him painting the sand red with his blood. Sasuke and Sakura instantly took up a stance ready to engage Gaara, Temari and Kankuro took up a position near their sister but before anyone could attack a grunt could be heard from the sand and a hand came out, before Naruto who seemed completely fine came crawling out of the sand.
'' That actually hurt, however I think I might have fallen for you my little flower '' Naruto said as he smiled towards Gaara, who like the rest of them stood with shocked expressions on her face, Temari and Kankuro because they knew no one had ever survived that attack before, Sasuke and Sakura because they had been sure Naruto was dead, and Gaara was the most shocked since she had felt Naruto's body explode under the pressure yet he was standing in front of them perfectly fine.
'' What is wrong? Did you not believe me when I told you this young beauty wouldn't be able to hurt me? '' Naruto said as he started walking towards Gaara and the other.
''No one has ever survived Gaara's attack before how are you still alive? '' Temari asked coming out of her shock.
'' That is for me to know and for this lady to find out '' Naruto said as his hand forced Gaara to look up at him, Naruto leaned down and kissed her on her mouth causing all the females including Gaara to blush at his action. Gaara pushed Naruto away from her once she had regained from the surprise of him kissing her.
Gaara turned around and started walking away ignore Naruto and everyone else, '' Do you think she likes me? '' Naruto asked Temari who looked at him with shocked clear in her facial expression.
Temari started explaining Gaara's childhood to the group, and explained that she was hatred and feared due to the Ichibi being sealed inside of her, the lack of human contact and the inability to sleep had caused her to become a distant and violent person that could and would kill anything that annoyed her.
Sasuke and Sakura was shocked at this revelation, they had no idea that jinjurikis normally grew up hatred and scorned by the society they grew up to protect.
'' I didn't know she was like me in that way '' Naruto spoke shocking everyone once more. ''I am the container of the Kyuubi no Yoko '' Naruto stated.
' So that is how he was able to survive Gaara's attack ' Temari and Kankuro thought to themselves while Sakura had a look of disgust on her face, that the fourth had sealed the Kyuubi inside a child and not defeated it like they were told.
' So that is where he draws his powers from, no wonder he is as strong as I am ' Sasuke thought as slight smile appeared from the knowledge that the one he believed to be his best friend also carried a heavy burden that normal people could not understand.
Though his burden might be different Sasuke had a feeling that the bond which had been growing between himself and Naruto would strengthen further.
Sakura was shocked, she both by learning that they had been lied to growing up, but also by the fact that Naruto contained the thing that had attacked the village, as all children that had grown up after the Kyuubi attack, she had heard story of its power and the destruction it had caused, and the eventual sacrifice of the fourth Hokage which brought an end to the beasts destruction.
Before any of them could react Naruto had taken of in the same direction that Gaara had left, it took Naruto some searching but he found Gaara on a swing, rocking back a forth slowly, the playground was empty beside the two.
'' Seems like I found you '' Naruto said as he sent a smile at Gaara who looked up and spotted Naruto. '' I'm sorry about before, I just found it strange that a lovely lady such as yourself wouldn't socialize with the rest of us '' Naruto said as he walked towards her to sit on the swing next to hers, Gaara looked at the ground and didn't respond.
''Your sister told me about your situation, It really surprised me I didn't think I would meet someone like myself '' Naruto said, Gaara looked up at him in surprise. '' I am the container of the Kyuubi, I hope we can get along since we share the same burden '' Gaara nodded slowly but soon gave him a small smile.
It was almost an hour late when Naruto and Gaara met up with the rest, Gaara walked near Naruto and kept sending glance his way which was not missed by the four others.
'' Well I think it's about time we went over the mission details together and worked out a plan '' Naruto said as he led them towards his home.
AN:
I am sorry for the short chapter as well as the long wait, a lot of thing got in the way of me actually finishing this chapter, I hope you enjoy it.
As always I am thankful for any and all reviews that I get, so please leave one.