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Chapter Text

“The Daimyo’s heir?” Hiruzen racked his brain in thought. He knew of Doji Makoto of course. The only child of the Daimyo Doji Kusari and Lady Doji Shijimi. They had only met a few times when he came to visit Konoha for the chunin exams in the past. He remembers that Makoto had been a cheerful young man, smiling while he chatted with many of his father’s retainers and friends, but Hiruzen did not spend any real time with him.

“Yeah.” Asuma chuckles mirthlessly as he looks at the cigarette burning in his fingers. “Let me ask you a question pops.”

“Hm?” Hiruzen hummed.

“You know the Daimyo well. Right?” Asuma asked and Hiruzen nodded. He and the Daimyo were very familiar with one another. It comes with the territory with him being the Hokage. Private meetings, dinners and correspondence was common between the two men.

“Do you honestly think that he is the kind of man that could inspire half of the guardians to incite a revolt that would eliminate you, place Konoha under his direct leadership and then take over the world?” Asuma asked with a serious look on his face.

Hiruzen sat there for a moment with a small scowl on his face as he thought about the question. The obvious answer was no. He didn’t believe that Doji Kusari could inspire such a situation. Not that Doji Kusari was a dullard or someone not worthy of his position. Doji Kusari was a good man, but that was mostly it.

He was well educated, understood diplomacy well, and valued peace in his nation. But he lacked confidence in his decision making at times and would highly value the advice of others. While Hiruzen knew it wasn’t a bad thing to be willing to listen to the opinions of others, he could see that the man was sometimes heavily influenced by those discussions.

That was why Hiruzen had always assumed that the twelve-guardian shinobi incident was always a power play by the guardians. A way to install a puppet leader that would follow their demands. He had never assumed otherwise and the reports he received indicated as much.

“No.” Hiruzen finally answered. “I could not see that man inspiring such a situation.”

Asuma took a long drag of his cigarette before leaning back and blowing it straight above him.

“It’s because of Doji Makoto.” Asuma said.

“He inspired them to revolt?” Hiruzen tensed. How could he have not known this information, how could Asuma have withheld this from him?

“Not exactly.” Asuma replied and Hiruzen quirked an eyebrow in question. “He didn’t order or do anything to give the impression that was what he wanted. They just did it after spending time with him.”

“Really?” Hiruzen questioned. If his memory was correct, then Makoto would have only been a young teenager at the time of the incident.

“It’s hard to describe.” Asuma shook his head softly. “He…he reminded me of the Fourth.”

“Minato? Why?” Hiruzen asked.

“He just…he just has that quality.” Asuma sounded like he was struggling to explain. “You can just see it when you are around him. It reminded me so much of seeing the Fourth. The way he carried himself, the way he spoke, everything about him just said he had it.”

“What do you mean?” Hiruzen asked, but he had an idea of what Asuma was saying.

“Haven’t you ever felt that way?” Asuma looked at him questioningly. “When you were trained by the first and the second? Couldn’t you just tell?”

Hiruzen’s lips pressed together as he realized what his son was saying. It was true, there was just something about Hashirama and Tobirama that made Hiruzen follow them without question. They had a quality about them that he hadn’t seen in anyone again until Minato came along. He had been told that he had a similar quality, but things never felt like they came as naturally for him as they did for his predecessors.

“So, he has that leadership quality.” Hiruzen rubbed at his goateed chin, but his son just shook his head.

“No. It’s not just that.” Asuma huffed. “He is just like how Kakashi describes the Fourth. A genius that could master nearly anything he worked at. He’s brilliant, reliable, curious, strong, charismatic…a perfect leader.”

“You could see it that early?” Hiruzen asked, genuinely surprised that his son spoke this way.

“Could you see it in the Fourth? Could Jiraiya-sama?”

Hiruzen hummed in understanding. Jiraiya had come to him very early after taking Minato as a student and told Hiruzen that he was training the next Hokage. Hiruzen had chuckled at him at first, but after meeting Minato a few times he could see a drive behind his eyes.

It was the same drive that he could see in Naruto’s eyes, even if things didn’t come to Naruto as naturally as his father. Naruto shared more qualities with his mother than his father, but both parents had that same drive in their eyes and put in the work towards their goals.

“I could.” Hiruzen said after a few seconds. “It’s a unique quality.”

“It is.” Asuma agreed. “When I first joined the Twelve Guardians I could tell that some of the members were very fond of Makoto. It didn’t take me long to understand why they felt that way. You could see how everyone was excited about the future.”

“So, their belief in the prince is what led to their betrayal?” Hiruzen asked. “And the Daimyo did not agree with their plan? Did Makoto have input?”

“Makoto had no input.” Asuma admitted. “But don’t get me wrong! I am sure there was at least a little bit of a power play on their part, but for the most part they just believed in Makoto, And Konoha’s weakened state led them to believe they were right. The Daimyo and the prince both disagreed with the plan and ordered those six to be brought to justice.”

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair slightly in thought. He felt relieved that the Daimyo and his son did not agree with their plan; if they had there was no doubt in Hiruzen’s mind that the conflict would have been devastating on both ends and caused the land of fire to dramatically weaken. But it still left questions as to what the capitals interest in Naruto was.

“Makoto recently asked me to visit.” Asuma glanced at his father and then back towards the cigarette in his hand.

Hiruzen though had raised an eyebrow. “What for?”

“Just to visit.” Asuma shrugged. “At least that is what the letter indicated.”

“Were you close to him while you were there?” The father asked.

“Everyone was…that’s just how it is with him.” Asuma scratched at his sideburns. “And I think I know what this is about with Naruto.”

“What?” Hiruzen questioned quickly.

“Some old contacts of mine asked if the Guardians were getting back together. I told them I didn’t know what he was talking about, but it made me question if it was true. So, I sent a message to Chiriku from the fire temple.” Asuma put out the last bit of cigarette in an ash tray on the table. “He has apparently been going back and forth to visit Makoto-sama a few times a year.”

“And what happened during these visits?” Hiruzen pressed for answers. He was not a fan of being so out of the loop on information like this in his own country. “Are they reforming the Guardians?”

“No. He’s not reforming the Guardians.” Asuma shook his head. “According to Chiriku they just spent time together along with others he had invited. They discussed some philosophy and shared different ideas.”

Hiruzen rolled the information around in his head. “That doesn’t sound like a bad thing. It sounds like our future Daimyo is broadening his horizons.”

“I told you he was curious.” Asuma agreed. “Chiriku said he was told that if he wanted to stay, he could, but that there was no pressure to, and that he was always welcome.”

“I assume some took him up on his offer.” Hiruzen asked and Asuma nodded.

“It’s not that strange to consider.” Asuma said. “Being a personal friend with the crown prince would have its benefits, and I understand that he only extends the offer to some.”

“So, he is not building a group, but instead trusted friends.” Hiruzen considered. “And you think that he has interest in Naruto for such a thing?”

“Honestly I don’t know.” Asuma said. “I know that he is probably curious about Naruto. Makes me think he wants to get to know Naruto and determine what kind of person he is. Naruto’s reputation has grown, but we haven’t given them any information on him. It will only make him more interested.”

“Either way. We don’t know his exact motive.” Hiruzen sighed as he stood up and walked back towards his desk.

“Trust in Naruto pops. That boy can win anyone over to his side.” Asuma grinned for a minute before it slowly fell off. “There are far more sinister people in that court to be concerned of.”

OoOoOoOoO

It only took half a second for Naruto’s training to kick in and he immediately bowed down.

“Doji-sama.” Naruto said and heard his students chorus behind him.

In his mind Naruto’s thoughts were rapidly going over the situation. Why was he brought here to the crown prince? Why was the prince acting so friendly towards them? What was the game being played here? And most surprisingly was that there were no negative emotions coming from the Daimyo’s son.

“No! No!” Makoto said hurriedly and started walking forward towards the group. He barely made it a few paces before Kenzo shouted out.

“Doji-sama!” Kenzo shouted with some authority and the crown prince immediately stopped and gave a questioning look to his father’s general. “Protocol must still be followed.”

At this point team ten had all stood up and were looking at the scene questioningly. The crown prince was giving Kenzo an annoyed look and Naruto could feel a small amount of agitation coming from the man. After a second Makoto just rolled his eyes and waved his hand in front of him.

“I don’t see the point but carry on if you must.” Makoto sighed.

Kenzo walked between the two parties and stood in front of Naruto and put his hand out.

“Sorry.” Kenzo said. “You may keep your mask on, but you must remove your cloak.”

Naruto quirked an eyebrow under his mask at the request. He had been expecting to be asked to remove his mask and get put in an awkward position. Removing the cloak would be no problem, but he wasn’t sure why he was doing it in the first place.

“We do not mind you hiding your identity for now, but the cloak allows you to keep your hand movements hidden.” Kenzo explained at the slight hesitation from Naruto. “We cannot properly protect our lords if we cannot see your body.”

“Of course.” Naruto nodded at the explanation while removing the cloak from his body and handed it to Kenzo who called an attendant over from the side of the building. The older man looked Naruto over for a moment before stepping to the side. He had left all of Naruto actual equipment on him; apparently confident, that if Naruto’s movements weren’t hidden, he could stop him before any harm would come to Makoto.

“Is it safe now?” Makoto complained with a roll of his eyes and his arms crossed across his chest. Kenzo just chuckled before giving a mocking bow towards his lord. “Don’t make me smack you.”

Naruto was sure that everyone around would be questioning the stupid look on his face right now if he didn’t still have his mask on, but he could admit that he was confused. He didn’t have much experience with nobles, but his training had him expecting something different than what he was seeing. He was acting friendly and joking around with his subordinate like an old friend.

“Anyway.” Makoto said as he crossed the short distance to stand in front of Naruto and held out his hand. “Bowing before me is not how I like to start new friendships. I am Doji Makoto. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Naruto. Jonin of Team Ten.” Naruto said as he shook the man’s hand. “The pleasure is ours Doji-sama. This is-”

“Please. Call me Makoto.” The heir interrupted and then stepped to the side to get a better look at the genin. He looked at Shikamaru with a calculating, but friendly, gaze. “You must be young Shikamaru. I’ve met your father only a couple of times, but you seem to take after him a lot. I wonder if you also share the same genius that he has, I hear he is quite the shogi player.”

“Uhh…I’m haven’t beaten him yet, but I am getting closer.” Naruto had to hold back a chuckle at Shikamaru’s response. The young Nara was clearly flustered at the surprise interaction, usually Shikamaru was quick in his responses.

“That’s good. Perhaps we will find the time to play a game soon.” Makoto smiled but moved on to meeting Choji, missing Shikamaru’s mouth gape open are the statement. “You must be Akimichi Choji.”

“Y-yes sir!” Choji shouted and quickly nodded his head in affirmation. Makoto had a smirk of amusement as he looked down at the young Akimichi in front of him. After a moment he laughed and placed his hand on the genin’s shoulder.

“Relax young man.” Makoto smiled. “I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting your father, but I did attend a banquet in Konoha at the last chunin exams that your family provided the food for. It was one of the best meals of my life.”

“T-thank you.” Choji blushed slightly at the praise to his family. “I will tell pa when we get back. I am sure it will make him happy.”

“I am sure it will.” Makoto nodded before turning to the final member of their party. “Hyuga Hinata. The young heiress of the Hyuga clan.”

“Y-yes.” Hinata stuttered under the studying gaze of Makoto. “P-pleasure to meet you.”

“Hmm.” Makoto hummed and crouched down slightly to better look Hinata in the face. Naruto was curious about what he was doing and was debating about stepping as he saw Hinata’s face continue to flush. “You are a little different from other Hyuga I have met. You don’t carry yourself like others I have met in court.”

Naruto could feel and see Hinata start to collapse into herself. He was about to step in and try to reassure her, but Makoto softly gripped her shoulder.

“It’s not a bad thing. Trust me.” He smiled at her wide eyes. “I am sure that I am not like any noble you have ever met before.”

“Umm…y-yes.” Hinata admitted with her eyes darting towards the ground.

The young future leader of the Land of Fire chuckled as he stood up and turned back towards Naruto. Naruto’s thoughts ran quickly during all the exchanges. It appeared to be friendly and pleasant exchanges, but Makoto had made it known that he had done research into team ten. He wouldn’t have had a reason to know their names otherwise.

“And young Naruto. Given three of your villages most prominent clan heirs.” Makoto rubbed his chin as he looked at Naruto like a puzzle piece once again. Naruto noted that he didn’t ask about his family name, apparently already knowing that he wouldn’t get it. “The young jonin that has made quite the name for himself both good and bad; both inside and outside the village. Who wears a mask that causes others to curse him and is a complete mystery even from the eyes of the Daimyo...”

There was a thickness in the air that Naruto could feel. Guards from around the courtyard, Kenzo, his team…all of them were suddenly tense. All of them waiting.

“I’m just so curious!” Makoto said with a bright smile and placed his hands on his hips before laughing. Naruto could feel his face twitch under his mask and the confused looks from his genin. “So, your family name is still a secret as long as you still a part of the Anbu?”

“Yes.” Naruto nodded, glad that the question was more in line with what he was expecting from the noble. “For now, I have been ordered to keep my personal information a secret besides my name.”

“Interesting.” Makoto smirked. “And what if the office of the Daimyo asked you to remove your mask and say your background?”

Naruto felt his stomach drop and his eyes go wide. He had considered this a possibility, but was hoping that the situation wouldn’t come up, or at least come up in a more private setting. The office of the Daimyo did rank above the Hokage, but the Anbu was a private force whose secrecy was of the utmost importance. How was he supposed to get-

“Just kidding.” Makoto snickered.

“Wha…?” Naruto replied dumbly.

Makoto chuckled and even Kenzo had a smirk on his face as he looked at team ten.

“Please follow me.” Makoto asked with a wave of his hand as he turned around and started walking towards the dojo he had come out of.

Naruto just nodded and his team began to follow behind the noble. As the small group started walking towards the dojo Naruto was mentally berating himself.

‘Snap out of it Naruto!’ He thought bitterly about how this meeting had gone. Naruto had been surprised when he was introduced to Makoto in the first place, but his behavior had thrown Naruto off completely. He was prepared to meet with a stuck up noble, not with someone acting like Naruto was some kind of friendly walking talking puzzle.

His senses weren’t telling him that anything was off with Makoto, but his training and experience kept telling him that this was wrong. Nobles don’t act the way Makoto acts; his training had taught him how to speak and how to react. His previous experience with nobles proved his training was correct. This was abnormal, but Naruto’s gut was telling him that everything was fine and his emotion sensing only detected negative thoughts when Makoto was told to halt by Kenzo.

Naruto gathered himself as they passed up the steps of the verandah and through the sliding doors into the building. His assumption had been mostly correct as they entered a large traditional looking dojo that reminded him of the Hyuga training halls, but where it differed was how the training area was surrounded by rooms with wide open doors. Some of the rooms were empty, but most them seemed to serve different purposes.

There was a room surrounded by bookshelves, one that held lab equipment, one was filled with crafting supplies with strewn about calligraphy, another was filled with weapons from all over, one just looked like a comfortable seating area, and one even seemed to hold a kitchen. Some of the rooms were empty, but others had some people working in them.

In the room filled with calligraphy was a young man with dark amber hair furiously writing on parchment. His dark blue yukata was covered in black ink stains and Naruto could see the stains on his fingertips from the ink he used. After a moment he stopped all together and pulled the scroll from the table and started reading it quickly.

“Trash!” He yelled before he threw the parchment behind him in the room and pulled out a new sheet of paper.

“That’s Hayato.” Makoto pointed to him, noticing Naruto looking at the man. “He’s a poet, he’s…kind of eccentric, but really his work is quite beautiful. Well one out of a hundred I guess.”

The man in question never bothered to look their way.

In the room with lab equipment was a small man carefully releasing a drip to allow some fluid into a beaker. His head was covered in a red bandanna and thick goggles obscured the view of his face. His clothing made him look more like a blacksmith with a thick black apron over a tan jumpsuit. After a moment he jumped away from the equipment and held the beaker up to the sky.

“Success!” He shouted when suddenly there was a small explosion from the beaker. When the smoke cleared the bandana had flown off revealing singed orange hair and a face now flushed red from heat. “Perhaps some more ethanol.”

“That’s Manabu.” Makoto chuckled nervously. “He has been working on stabilizing a formula of his for a few months now.”

“What is it supposed to do?” Shikamaru asked.

“Honestly I don’t know!” Makoto shrugged as they watched Manabu start working again. “He believes it will help a lot of people though.”

Naruto could tell that Shikamaru wanted to say more, but he stayed quiet in the presence of Makoto.

“You are wondering why he is here? If I don’t even know what he is working on.” Makoto stated as if it was fact and Shikamaru’s eyes widened slightly. “I’ve always had a good eye for people. I believe he can do something incredible.”

“He thinks he has a good eye.” A sweet, but sharp voice said from further inside the dojo. Naruto peeked around Makoto to see a woman sitting near the end of the dojo, on a spot that seemed to be a small raise dais for whoever was observing the training to have a slightly higher view of those in the training area. Sitting there was a woman in the seiza posture staring down out a shogi board.

She was a woman in her mid-twenties that had long shining white hair that fell between her shoulder blades. She had ivory skin similar to Hinata’s, but she wore some smoky eye shadow and a pale red colored lipstick that enhanced her looks modestly. She was wearing white kimono top with powder blue hakama pants and a royal blue obi. Over the kimono top she wore a sleeveless dark blue haori with silver embroidery that looked like clouds and flying cranes. Her eyes were completely glued to the board in front of her until she moved a piece on the board, he could sense Shikamaru trying to peek around and get a good look at the board.

“Akeha-chan…” Makoto whined. “Must you be so cruel.”

“Someone has to keep you in check.” The woman Naruto now knew as Akeha said as she shook her head and stood from her seated position. She walked over to the group with a poise that immediately told Naruto that she wasn’t to be underestimated. “Perhaps you will actually be worth the time Makoto-kun invests in you. I am Daidoji Akeha.”

She gave a small bow to the group and rose with a soft smile. Naruto could feel a prickly sensation coming from the two rooms that they had looked in before. She had done nothing to keep her voice down with her earlier statement, and it clearly agitated the two men they had seen already.

‘Daidoji?’ Naruto thought as he looked closer at the woman’s clothing. ‘She must part of one of the families from the Crane clan.’

“Anyone who piques my interest is worth my time.” Makoto smirked.

“Hmm?” Akeha hummed as she tilted her head slightly in feign puzzlement with a small pout. “I must not be very interesting.”

“Akeha-chan.” Makoto’s arms dropped and his shoulders slumped as he pouted. “You know that you are the most interesting thing in the world to me.”

“Oh really?” She crossed her arms. “Because I believe that you just got up and ran out of our game without even saying anything.”

“You’ve been starting at the board for thirty minutes…” Makoto deadpanned. “And my guests arrived!”

“You are a complicated opponent.”  She answered seriously before a sharpness came over her voice. “And you should have at least said something.”

“Ah yes. You’re right. You’re right.” He held his hands up defensively and waved them in front of him. “I am sorry Akeha-chan.”

“You are the future Daimyo Makoto.” Akeha shook her head. “Others would have been more insulted with what you just pulled.”

“Others aren’t you.” Makoto said as he gently grabbed a lock of her white hair and twirled it around his finger. “You know me better than anyone.”

Naruto felt some slight heat coming to his cheeks as he observed the two. He suddenly felt like he was intruding in a private moment. Glancing to the side he noticed that his three students seemed to feel the same. Kenzo just seemed amused at the interaction, like he was watching an inside joke.

“Are they done!” Came a booming voice and Naruto noticed Akeha’s eyebrow twitch. The door they had come through slammed open behind them; causing his three genin to jump slightly. Sensing no ill intent and seeing that Kenzo wasn’t reacting defensively kept Naruto from reacting negatively.

At the door frame walked in a massive and wild looking man. His hair was shoulder length black with a dark blue almost purple headband across his forehead. He was only wearing a pair of hakama pants the same color as his headband. His top half was shirtless except for a pair of leather bracers died black, but his skin was covered in battle scars. The muscular man had a stubble across his face and a wild look in his eye as he stalked into the room with his eyes focused on Akeha.

“Come on Akeha!” The man bounded over to the group with a hop in his steps. “You’ve kept me waiting long enough! It’s time to fight!”

“And this excitable guy is Hida Shikoujin.” Makoto introduced and Shikoujin blinked rapidly, as if realizing the group was there for the first time. A small blush overcame his cheeks as an embarrassed look overcame his face.

“Uhh sorry Makoto.” Shikoujin said rapidly. “I wasn’t trying to be rude or nuthin.”

“It’s okay Shikoujin.” Makoto laughed as he clapped the muscular man’s bare shoulder. “I know you have been waiting for us to finish our game.”

“Unfortunately we are st-” Akeha began before she was interrupted.

“Luckily we are taking a break right now.” Makoto smiled as Akeha’s eyes narrowed at the man. A big grin came over Shikoujin’s face and he whooped loudly.

“Alright!” Shikoujin hollered as he jogged into the middle of the room and got in a ready stance.

Naruto watched as Akeha shot a glare at Makoto, but he just shrugged with a small smile on his face. His genin looked confused and Kenzo just looked amused. Shaking her head, she started to walk to stand across from the shirtless man.

“Shikoujin is a berserker from the crab clan.” Makoto commented as he walked to stand next to Naruto to observe.  

“A berserker?” Chouji asked quietly.

“Yes Chouji-kun.” Makoto said. “They are a rare breed of warrior. Completely fearless of death, driven by their own rage and emotions in battle they tear through enemies as if lost in a trance.  More often than not they do not survive the battlefield, but those that do are usually covered in blood.”

Chouji gulped audibly and Naruto could sense his genins anxiety. Naruto had only heard rumors of the berserkers of the samurai world. Always at the fiercest locations on the battlefield and diving into the enemy ranks as if they had a death wish. He had heard of shinobi that used trance like states to fight, but shinobi battles were usually fought in numbers less than a hundred. These berserkers fought in battles where the ranks of enemies were in the thousands.

“Don’t fear him.” Makoto said gently. “Entering into that state of mind requires preparation and life-threatening conditions. He will be fierce, but he won’t be lost in his bloodlust.”

“Let’s get this over with please.” Akeha said as she got into a stance that Naruto recognized as jujutsu. The woman was at least two heads shorter than the berserker and easily half his weight, but she held an expression that made her look almost bored. Without wasting a breath Shikoujin launched forward with a hooking right arm aimed for Akeha’s torso.

Naruto’s eyebrows raised as he watched Akeha easily parry the blow by pushing her leading hand on top of Shikoujin’s fist. The blow swinging by her stomach and causing the Hida to spin from momentum. He wasted no time however as he used the momentum to swing a backhand from his left arm at the white-haired woman. She nimbly hopped back out of range of the unseen blow with a calculating gaze.

She was back in her stance, but Shikoujin was already wildly on the move. Leaping into the air with both of his fists raised high into the air he brought them down as if to smash her into a paste. Instead of leaping backwards to dodge the blow she ducked down low and twisted around his torso as if dancing. The overhand blow landed on the hard tatami mats of the ground, splintering them into pieces and leaving a small crater.

“Oi…” Makoto complained about the damage to the surface of the dojo. Naruto and team ten were in awe of the speed and power being displayed by the two. Naruto could freely admit that blow would have done some heavy damage to him if it landed, one of his genin would likely be crippled if not dead.

When Shikoujin turned around, to face Akeha, Naruto could swear that all he could see was the whites of Shikoujin’s eyes. His teeth were grit tightly and they could hear the deep breaths he was taking. They had to wonder if he was starting to lose his senses.

“He’s getting upset that she is playing around.” Kenzo said. “He’s amping himself up to force her.”

“Who is she exactly?” Naruto had to ask.

“Daidoji Akeha is the commander of the Iron Cranes.” Kenzo crossed his arms in front of himself. “They are the vanguard force of the crane clan. She is fierce on the battlefield, but her greatest strength is her tactical ability.”

“A frontline tactician?” Naruto questioned. He could see from her face that she was the cool and calculating type. She observed every single move that Shikoujin made with a focus that made her appear as if in a trance. She took in the entire person and not just minute details.

Suddenly Shikoujin shot off with a speed forward that was hard for the genin to track. The two became a blur of strikes and parries. Akeha continuously dodging and brushing the strikes to the side. Shikoujin started shouting as he continuously swung at the white-haired beauty. Then it happened so suddenly that Naruto could have missed it.

Shikoujin threw a straight right that Akeha pushed to the side with her left hand. She had repeated the same move a dozen times in this exchange, but this time she stepped forward into his guard and threw a powerful palm strike into his elbow that forced it to bend and grabbed his wrist simultaneously with her left hand. She gripped his elbow with her right and violently pushed his forearm backwards while throwing her whole weight downwards into the twist. The result was Shikoujin violently bending backwards to prevent his arm from breaking and slamming his whole back into floor with a force that sent splinters through the mat.

‘She used leverage to force him down. Just how physically strong is she?’ Naruto watched with wide eyes as she stood up and looked at the man on the ground. Underneath that beautiful kimono must have been some serious muscle that was hidden in the fine fabric.

“Haha!” Shikoujin laughed as he quickly sat up from the ground and sprung upwards. “Round one goes to you as usual! Time for round two!”

Akeha groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose between her fingers as Shikoujin ran towards the weapon room. Upon his return Naruto was surprised to see three weapons in his hand before he tossed one at Akeha. In his hand were two massive kanabo’s, the wooden clubs were wrapped in studded metal and looked to be several feet long a piece. Larger than any Naruto had ever seen before.

In Akeha’s outstretched hand was a long ornate jumonji yari. The trident looking weapon looked wickedly sharp with the central lance being a foot in length and the two curved blades coming off the side being six inches each. It was a weapon that could effectively defend, slash and stab from a distance. Perfect for someone that would defend and counter.

“Nope!” Makoto shouted while raising his arms in an x across his chest. The berserker and the commander looked at him puzzled, clearly not expecting the interruption. “We just got the mats fixed. Why don’t you take this outside”?

Shikoujin only shrugged before turning around and strolling towards the door with Akeha following behind slowly with the yari resting across her shoulders and her arms draped over.

“Kenzo.” The general looked at his crown prince. “Why don’t you take the kids and watch the match. I would like to speak with Naruto for a bit.”

The genin looked conflicted at the request and even Naruto wasn’t sure what to make of it, but after a moment he nodded his head to the three. Obediently they followed Kenzo as he made his way to the exit so they could watch the fight in the yard they had come in from. Naruto had half expected Kenzo to protest leaving the Daimyo’s son alone with a shinobi, but the man had left without a fuss.

Naruto noticed that the other two that had been working in their rooms had closed the doors to their respective areas, leaving Naruto alone with the heir of the Land of Fire.  The man sized him up for a minute before walking away and towards the kitchen that Naruto had noticed before. Naruto followed him wordlessly into the small space.

“Would you like something to drink? Something to eat?” Makoto asked as he opened a cabinet to pull out some glasses.

“Makoto-sama. Please. I can serve myself; you shouldn’t do such a thing.” Naruto replied, there was no way he could get the crown prince to prepare food and drink for him. Naruto tried to take over preparing a glass for them both, but he was stopped by the dry look coming from Makoto.

“Naruto.” His voice came out almost annoyed. “Sit down.”

Naruto gulped, but quickly sat down in a seat at countertop around a center island cooking station. Makoto shook his head and brought over a glass of water for each of them to drink. Naruto enjoyed the smirk that came over Makoto face when he took a drink of the water without removing his mask.

“Neat trick.” Makoto commented and Naruto debated for a second about how he should react to the heir’s comment. Does he apologize? Does he make a joke to lighten the mood? It was remarkably clear that Makoto didn’t want to be treated like a noble, so maybe Naruto just needed to roll with it and see where it would take him?

“You didn’t expect it to be that easy, did you?” Naruto asked slyly. “Not a lot of experience with the Anbu?”

“Ha. No, not really.” Makoto chuckled. “The Anbu are rarely in our presence. Usually just appearing from thin air to deliver a message and then vanishing just a quick.”

‘I probably would have preferred it to be like that.’ Naruto thought dismally. While this was proving to be interesting, things were starting to seem more complicated than he had hoped for his teams’ mission.

“We tend to be like that.” Naruto shrugged. “Stick to the shadows and stuff.”

“But that’s not you anymore right now.” Makoto pointed out. “You are a jonin sensei of a team now.”

“That’s true…but I am still a member of the Anbu for right now.” Naruto answered.

“Why is that?”  Makoto asked, curiosity clear in his eyes.

Naruto had been asked this a lot recently. Earlier on the trip to the capital he had been rehearsing what he would say when this line of questioning came up. His training had him coming up with answers that would be polite, but vague enough to not give away any secrets or make Konoha look bad. A political answer that would satisfy a noble.

But Makoto seemed different, and Naruto got the feeling that kind of answer would insult the heir. Naruto was starting to feel like he was at a crossroad, the same way that he felt when he debated about telling the Hokage about his conversation with the Kyubi that night. His brain and training trying to tell him one thing, and his heart and gut telling him another.

“It is because the Hokage has concerns about me being able to successfully be a sensei to a team of genin my own age.” Naruto decided to trust his gut and be open and honest. “By keeping the mask on they can assimilate me back into the Anbu if things do not work out and assign a jonin to the team.”

“Interesting.” Makoto rubbed his chin. “How does that make you feel?”

“Umm…sad? I guess?” Naruto struggled out, a little surprised at the question. “Why do you want to know that?”

“I want to get to know you Naruto.” Makoto smiled as he stood up and started to walk out of the room. Naruto followed behind as they walked out of the kitchen area and proceeded to head even further into the building. It only took a minute for them to be back outside again, this time on the opposite side of the building that they entered, standing in a small garden surrounded by a bamboo wall. Naruto realized that in the distance he could hear the sounds of weapons clashing from the others spar.

“Why did it make you sad?” Makoto asked.

“It felt like I wasn’t being trusted.” Naruto answered.

“What was their reasoning?” Makoto said as he sat down on the grass.

“That my reputation could cause a strain on my team’s ability to trust me. That my age could cause ego issues. That I am not ready for this responsibility.” Naruto laid out what he believed were the reasons.

“What do you think of those?”

“My reputation could cause a problem in the beginning, but once they got to know me it would be fine. I did not believe that there would be an ego issue regarding my age with the team I was selected for. And I believed that I was ready for this responsibility.” Naruto stated.

“You are quite confident.” Makoto noted. “I am curious about your team.”

“What about them?” Naruto asked, slightly defensive.

“It’s an unusual make up. Especially considering the Yamanka heir was a part of that graduating class.” Makoto shot Naruto a questioning look. “I would have expected the Yamanka girl rather than young Hinata.”

“Hokage-sama believed that the team make up would be good and could create new combinations.” Naruto said.

“I understand that you are the one who built the teams this year.” Makoto pressed.

Naruto froze for a just a moment, but he knew Makoto had caught him that quickly. Of course, word had gotten out around Konoha that Naruto had been involved in the team selection process from the meeting held the night before selections. Shinobi may be good at stealing and keeping secrets when ordered to, but if you didn’t give them a gag order, they tended to gossip like schoolgirls.

‘If he heard about me and my team from his mother, it’s not far off to assume that he would know about my effort in the team selections.’ Naruto thought.

“I constructed the teams, but everything was still signed off an approved by the Hokage.” Naruto answered. He knew it was a political answer, but it was the truth in this case. “Before you ask, I did not set my team up in a manner to give me the best team, or the easiest to get along with. I selected the team that I thought could provide a new dynamic formation and that I could teach effectively.”

“Hooo…” Makoto had frowned slightly at Naruto’s answer, but when Naruto added on, he seemed to become further interested. “So why can you benefit them better than another teacher?”

“Through my career I have gained experience working with their families. I am familiar with their clan techniques and how to utilize them effectively.” Naruto spoke with confidence. “I won’t deny that there are some students that I didn’t place on my team to avoid potential conflict, but there were also a couple that I think would have been easier to get along with that I didn’t place on the team.”

“Interesting.” Makoto mused. “Your team seemed fairly well reserved and tempered to me. For being with you less than a week they seem fairly comfortable with you. You think others may have been more comfortable?”

“I think that Aburame Shino, heir of the Aburame clan, would have been another good choice in my opinion. He is like his father with his logical line of thinking and would have been able to work out why I would make a good teacher.” Naruto answered. “Another good option would have been Suzuki Hitoshi, he is a year younger, but he worked hard to graduate a year ahead of time and his father was in the Anbu. I felt like he would have respected my position in the Anbu.”

“And while I am glad that my team is working well, there are certainly some issues that we are working through for them to be comfortable with me.” Naruto sighed. “Shikamaru is highly suspicious of me and is trying to solve me like a puzzle. Choji is Shikamaru’s best friend and tends to follow his lead on things. Hinata is…nervous…but she is doing her best to go along with the situation. I think the shock of me has worn off slightly and they wanted to be on their best behavior for you.”

“That’s good.” Makoto nodded. “Them being nervous is the correct reaction to this situation. I would have suspected something strange about them if they weren’t.”

“Ha…yea I guess that would be strange…” Naruto chuckled and smiled slightly behind his mask.

“So, tell me more about yourself.” Makoto asked, his eyes never leaving Naruto.

“I…uh…” Naruto coughed into his hand as he drew a blank, unsure of exactly what he should talk about. Perhaps he should just fall back on the typical shinobi team introductions? “I like ramen, training and gardening. I dislike the three minutes it takes to cook cup ramen and people that judge others before getting to know them. My dream is to become Hokage!”

Makoto stared at him for a second, slowly blinking in surprise from the sudden burst of words from Naruto. Slowly a wry smile spread across his face, and he looked as if he was struggling to hold back laughter for a moment before he couldn’t hold back anymore and he started laughing. Naruto could feel the twitch on his face from Makoto’s reaction.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Makoto laughed as he gripped his knees.  Naruto wanted to shout at Makoto for laughing at him, but he also didn’t want to insult the next Daimyo. It took him a moment to calm down, but he was beaming a smile at Naruto. “You caught me off guard there. I didn’t expect that.”

Naruto pouted a little behind his mask but sat still at Makoto’s amused look.

“Gardening, ramen, judging people and Hokage eh…” Makoto crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head at an angle as he studied Naruto. “For someone that wants to become Hokage, you sure have made some choices that have invited people to judge you. Why don’t you tell me about your mask.”

“It causes me a lot of problems yea…” Naruto let out a sigh. “It was supposed to be a symbol, ya know. That we don’t need to fear the Kyuubi, that its strength was a part of our village. People didn’t take it well.”

“It’s hard to blame them.” Makoto gave a sympathetic look to Naruto. “Many lives were lost that night.”

“I know. I lost my family too.” Naruto replied solemnly. It didn’t matter how many times he had to tell people that fact when his mask was brought up, it still hurt him every time. Makoto slowly arched an eyebrow at the response.

“How old are you Naruto?”

“Twelve.” Naruto snapped out of his funk at the question. Then he noticed a small smirk go across Makoto’s features like he had figured something out.

“I see…” Makoto looked like he had another question, but Naruto decided to interrupt him before he could.

“Why are you so interested in me?” Naruto asked quickly.

“Why?” Makoto hummed. “There are multiple reasons really.”

“For one.” Makoto raised a finger. “I like mysteries and you certainly are one.”

“I don’t know if I have been called a mystery before.” Naruto shrugged. “Shikamaru considers me a puzzle.”

“That’s accurate as well.” Makoto agreed. “An Anbu that doesn’t take normal Anbu missions suddenly appears in the village wearing a mask that represents the greatest disaster to ever befall said village. His mission results are posted into record so that credit is given and not hidden like normal black op missions. Yet all information regarding his origin is tightly kept under wraps. Don’t you think that is kind of interesting?”

“I guess so.” Naruto tried to play it off, but he knew that he agreed with the man.

“Then I happen to learn that not only is this Anbu now teaching a team of genin, but he is the same age as his own students, and he is still keeping his mask on. Oh! Not only that! But the genin assigned to said Anbu are heirs of three of the most influential clans in Konoha. Which tells me that you have a large amount of influence or support from the higher ups to assign you to something like this.”

“You may be reading too much into it…” Naruto swallowed thickly. He was definitely sweating slightly under his mask.

“Second.” Makoto held up another finger. “I trust my intuition and my mothers. I’ve had a feeling about you for a while after reading reports from Konoha, but my mother had a feeling about you the moment she met you.”

“She did?” Naruto questioned. He remembered Lady Shijimi’s first interaction with him, he could tell that she was curious, but she didn’t indicate anything negative.

“She did.” Makoto nodded. “It might sound naive, but I trust my mother. Before she moved to Konoha she was my teacher and taught me everything that she knew. I had a feeling about you and asked her to keep an eye out in case she met you. She thinks you are worthy of interest as well.”

“Thanks?” Naruto wasn’t sure what to say. Being the focus of some of the highest-ranking officials in the land was making him nervous, even though it should be a good thing. Establishing influence with Daimyo would only help him become Hokage, but all of this felt too soon.

“Third.” Makoto’s easy-going visage disappeared, and a more serious look came over his face. “I am going to be the Daimyo.”

Naruto’s eyes widened slightly, wondering if Makoto could read his thoughts somehow.

“It may be vain of me, but I want to be the greatest leader that this country has ever seen.” Naruto briefly wondered if he showed as much conviction on his face when he proclaimed that he wanted to be Hokage as Makoto just did. “It’s impossible to control everything, I understand that completely, but I would be lying if I said that it didn’t irk me to not be able to get any information on you from the Hokage. “

“Anbu identities are protected.” Naruto started quickly.

“I don’t disagree with that.” Makoto shook his head. “But you are not a black ops Anbu. There has never been a case of an Anbu that is as controversial or as well-known as you. Your missions are public record and being used to make you famous enough to be listed in the bingo books. Let’s just call this what it is, you wear a mask to protect your identity, but it’s not because you are black ops like the rest of the Anbu.”

Naruto sat there silently and stared at Makoto. There wasn’t a good way to answer him, and he knew that. The man was right with everything he was saying. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“That’s saying enough.” Makoto sighed as he placed his hands on his knees and relaxed once again.

“What is it that you want from me?” Naruto couldn’t help but ask. He should really be asking about whatever mission it was that Makoto wanted him on and trying to get out of there, but he knew that this was the real purpose of his mission. This conversation.

“I want to get to know you Naruto. I want to know if you are the kind of person that can interest me enough to want to become friends with.”

“You want to be my friend?” Naruto asked in a confused tone. “After everything you just said?”

“In case you can’t tell.” Makoto chuckled and looked back towards the entrance they came through. “I have a strange taste in friends, and it has made me quite the subject of discussion in the courts.”

Naruto sat there for a moment, realizing that he no longer heard the sounds of the spar from the other side of the building. “They don’t seem that strange, I don’t see why others would be interested.”

“Really?” Makoto quirked an eye. “The son of the daimyo doesn’t spend time with nobles and court figures, but instead spends his time with a rival clan berserker, a messy poet, a neurotic chemist, and that’s just the ones you have met.”

“And you want me?” Naruto asked. “A twelve-year-old Anbu surrounded by unknowns and hated by most of his village? I am sure that will go over well.”

“That’s not quite right.” Makoto smirked. “I want to know if you are the kind of person that I want to be friends with. And don’t worry about my reputation in the courts, I can handle their opinions.”

“Why though?” Naruto asked and Makoto sighed.

“Reputation, race, age, history…none of those things matter to me. I want to build friendships with people that I find interesting and have desire to do some good in this world. Those are the kind of people I want to surround myself with.” Makoto said. “The kind of people that can grow around me and help myself grow as well. The kind of people that can help me understand different viewpoints.”

“I’m not ignorant to how that sounds.” Makoto said with a soft voice. “It’s both idealistic and manipulative. In theory it should help me be a better person, but is focusing on being around people that make me better truly friendship? I like to think so, but sometimes I think it’s wrong.”

Naruto stared at Makoto for a moment. His words did make sense. Naruto didn’t really have any “friends”, but he always imagined that they would help each other to be better. He also imagined that those relationships would form organically, however. He had never imagined seeking out people specifically for the purpose of being friends.

“It sounds more like a council than a friendship.” Naruto said after a moment. “Shouldn’t friendships be more natural?”

“I think so too.” Makoto scratched the underside of his chin. “My position does give me advantages to seek out certain people I think I can be friends with, this meeting being a prime example, but it doesn’t mean that I want to be friends with everyone I meet like this. I prefer to think of it as just accelerating the process of us meeting.”

“You can’t say if you would have ever met them in the first place.” Naruto stated and Makoto just nodded.

“That’s true. I would have never met most of them if not for my position. I don’t want my position to define what my relationship is with any of them though. That’s why I ask all of my friends to not use honorifics with me. I just want to be Makoto.”

Naruto nodded slightly in understanding. He had imagined in the past that it would be similar for him if he succeeded in becoming Hokage. He would meet high ranking officials from across all of the lands and possibly form friendships with people he would have never met otherwise.

“I think th-” Naruto stopped suddenly as he felt a wave of negative emotions for the edge of his range towards where the sound of sparring was coming from earlier. Makoto looked at him in curiosity, waiting for Naruto to finish his thoughts, but Naruto immediately stood and disappeared in swirl of leaves. Leaving the heir of Fire sitting there with wide eyes.

OoOoOoOoO

“Very good…” Kakashi drawled out from his resting place on a branch, never once taking his eye off the book in his hand. He couldn’t see it, but he could feel the annoyance coming from his cute little genin.

Another day. Another D-rank mission for them to perform. This time they were painting a long fence that wrapped around the property of an influential merchant in the village. Typical easy D-rank, the perfect task to let Kakashi reread his favorite chapter in the first quarter of his book.

Later he would read his favorite chapter from the second quarter, then the third quarter and then the final quarter. A connoisseur of fine literature can’t have just one favorite chapter after all.

“Do you need any help at your section Sasuke-kun?”

Kakashi glanced up from his book to see Sakura trying see if Sasuke wanted any help at his section…again. She was rebuked once again and told to finish her section and to stop bothering him. Kakashi just rolled his eye and went back to reading his book.

It had been almost a week, but he still couldn’t believe that the team had passed his test. The reason for them passing was surprisingly the teams youngest member.

Suzuki Hitoshi was currently bringing a bucket of paint to each of his teammates, the handle of the buckets each hanging off one end of his bo staff that was supported on his shoulder. Kakashi smirked as he saw the boy attempting to help his teammates by bringing them more supplies before heading back to his work.

Hitoshi was a year younger than the other two at eleven but was acting more mature than the other two so far. Kakashi was attributing it to his upbringing. His father, Hideki, wasn’t one of the strongest that Konoha had ever produced, but he was a skilled leader. It wasn’t unreasonable to think that Hideki had passed on some of his teachings before he was killed in action.

One lesson was clearly teamwork.

Even Anbu teams followed a standard four-person team layout for most missions and duties. One team captain and three team members specializing in different areas. Hideki had been a successful team captain and while Anbu missions were confidential, it doesn’t mean that he couldn’t teach some fundamental principles to Hitoshi.

When the bell test had begun each member of the team separated and began prodding at Kakashi attempting to get their own bells. They certainly weren’t working together at first, but after witnessing Sasuke get trounced without difficulty Hitoshi seemed to realize what was going on and tried to get them working as a team as the alarm rang. Kakashi had tied Sakura to the training post and refused to let her have lunch, but Hitoshi disobeyed his orders and began to feed her. Sasuke also gave in after debating with himself for a moment.

Kakashi sighed lightly so he didn’t attract the attention of his genin. He didn’t really want a team in the first place, but they passed his test fairly, even if he had lingering concerns. Kakashi was hoping that these D-rank missions would help them build up some level of camaraderie, but they were having issues. There was no real leadership amongst the three of them. Sakura wanted to follow Sasuke, Hitoshi wanted to follow anyone because he considered himself weakest, and Sasuke wanted nothing to do with either of them.

The scent of dog, perfume, and cherry blossoms hit Kakashi’s nose making him snap out of his thoughts. Kakashi wasn’t a sensor, but his strong sense of smell practically made him one. Tsume had once pondered if he had some Inuzuka ancestry, but Kakashi had no desire to go into his old family home to dig through records. For now, he was content with knowing the team was coming down the road before he could see them.

“Sasuke-kun!”

Kakashi winced as he saw the blonde haired Yamanka heir attach herself to his brooding student. He certainly didn’t miss the days of young fangirls that didn’t know how to control themselves latching onto him.

“Ino-pig!” Sakura shouted. “Get off Sasuke-kun!”

“Ino; let go of Uchiha-san.” Came a silky voice with a steel edge. Ino immediately unlatched off Sasuke and stood back from the boy with a petulant face. Kurenai stood there with her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes narrowed. Her two other teammates stood to the side of their sensei, Kiba with a smirk on his face and Shino with a blank expression.

“That’s right Ino-pig.” Sakura shouted triumphantly before a glare from Kurenai had her recoil back.

Kakashi smirked under his mask as he pocketed the masterpiece in his hand. Normally Kakashi wouldn’t care, but Kurenai was a newer jonin than Kakashi and wasn’t used to his habits. He had also heard that she detested perverts through the grape vine. Let her get a little more used to him before he starts to break out some of his “worse” habits in a one-on-one discussion.

“Kakashi-senpai.” She greeted with a nod.

“Just Kakashi is fine Kurenai.” Kakashi said. Her eyebrows raised slightly in surprise; he suspected the lack of formality caught her off guard. After a second though a small smile appeared at the corner of her lips, and she nodded once again. “Just finish a mission?”

“Yes. We just completed some maintenance on Mr. Isai’s fields.” Kurenai said.

“Hmm.” Kakashi hummed in acknowledgement. He had decided to avoid that mission today. It wasn’t necessarily a bad mission; it just wouldn’t serve his goals. Mr. Isai’s fields were large and required the team to work more as individuals in different areas to complete on time. Not very helpful to a team that needed to be around each other more often and building teamwork.

“There’s still some time in the day. Do you plan to train or take another mission?” Kakashi asked.

“Originally I planned on taking another easy mission.” Kurenai then leveled a look at Ino that made the girl pale slightly. “But perhaps more training is needed instead.”

Kakashi wanted to chuckle slightly at the interaction. Perhaps Naruto had been right about Kurenai being able to influence the girl. “Good luck to you then.”

Kakashi prepared to pull out his book again, but to his slight surprise Kurenai had yet to move. “Is there something else?”

“Have you heard about team ten?” Kurenai asked.

‘So that’s what this is about.’ Kakashi thought as all the genin stopped talking and focused on the two jonin. ‘Does she have a grudge against Naruto?’

“I did.” Kakashi answered.

Kurenai stood there and studied him for a moment. Kakashi waited patiently without an expression on his face.

“What do you think?”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow slightly. Was she really going to bring this up in front of the rest of the rookie genin?

“About what exactly?” Kakashi asked, feigning ignorance.

“Team ten has taken on a C-rank mission only a few days after becoming a squad. I am not aware of such a thing ever happening in the past, but I was curious if you knew.” She asked.

Kakashi noticed the stunned looked on the genin behind Kurenai. Looks of surprise and irritation quickly took over.

“What!?” Kiba shouted. “Those losers are already taking C-rank missions!?”

“Kiba!” Kurenai’s voice cracked like a whip as she leveled a look at the Inuzuka similar to what the blonde-haired girl had gotten minutes before. The boy grits his teeth and looks like he wanted to say more but held his tongue. 

“No.” Kakashi addressed Kurenai after she returned her attention to him. “Not since the wars.”

It was true. Back during the third great shinobi war teams that graduated from the academy were almost certainly thrown into missions right away that would surely count as C-rank’s by today’s standards. They were trained differently during wartime, however. The academy was preparing students for taking lives, not the standard missions that happened during peacetime.

“That’s what I thought.” Kurenai had a small scowl on her face. “I was worried about their sensei after team assignments.”

“Why’s that.” Kakashi kept his voice even, not wanting to give away the steady rise of annoyance he was starting to feel.

“Hokage-sama can judge teams fairly because he is not taking one of them on. Naruto-san creating the teams can lead to biases.” Kurenai explained. “Perhaps he is overconfident with the team of his choice.”

Kakashi’s lone eye never left Kurenai’s but he could sense the rising tension from the other genin. Learning that Naruto made the teams and didn’t choose them raised the ire of both Sasuke and Kiba. Both boys feeling like they were rejected for some odd reason, even if they didn’t want to be on that team in the first place.

But Kakashi’s main focus right now was Kurenai. The information wasn’t classified, and it wasn’t anything that the genin wouldn’t learn in the future anyway, but trying to put Kakashi on the spot like this was a bold move. Most Anbu commanders and elite jonin would have dressed her down slightly by now and told her…

‘Ah. So that’s what it is.’ Kakashi thought.

She wanted information on Naruto.

He knew that Kurenai was smart, and that her experience with genjutsu meant that she had a good understanding of the human mind and how people think. She had very little to go on with Kakashi, but she likely knew that they teamed up often on missions. It wasn’t a secret amongst the elites that Naruto and Kakashi were often on mission reports together.

Kurenai also had nothing to gain here by inciting the ire of the genin by letting them know about Naruto selecting the teams. The only purpose of that statement was to rile up Kakashi and get him to react. Get him to perhaps let out a little slip about Naruto. She really didn’t know him very well.

But then again…most people didn’t besides Guy and Asuma.

“Kurenai.” Kakashi’s eye crinkled into an upside down smile. “If you wanted to get to know Naruto, that’s not really a problem. I will introduce you.”

Kurenai’s eyes widened and she sputtered slightly. “Wh-what?”

“I will introduce him to you and Gai once team ten returns.” Kakashi continued. “That way you can get to know him some, we can even invite Asuma. Does that satisfy you?”

There was a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks and a bit of a pout on her. Seems the information of her having a small crush on Asuma was true.

“Fine.” Kurenai huffed before she ordered her team to make their way to the training ground ahead of her. “I still don’t agree with him taking them on a C-rank though.”

“There were extenuating circumstances Kurenai.” Kakashi said firmly at a volume only she could hear. “Team ten did not have the option to decline.”

Kurenai looked surprised for a second before she looked slightly embarrassed. Finally, she nodded her head in thanks and began to follow her team.

OoOoOoOoO

“Why are you wasting my time like this you buffoon?”

Shikamaru and the rest of the team couldn’t help but gape at the situation. If they had been stunned before watching Akeha flip over the much larger man, they were even more stunned watching her deal with Shikoujin’s kanabo’s.

Each attack from Shikoujin that struck the earth rattled Shikamaru’s teeth and blows that connected with nothing sent gusts of wind at the team. Shikoujin’s strikes had started at pace that Shikamaru had considered fast, but as the man continued to fight, and his frustration mounted, his speed and power were increasing steadily. Akeha looked bored at the start of the fight, but as Shikoujin seemed to be elevating his abilities, she only grew more and more annoyed.

“Seriously.” Akeha complained as she deflected another blow into the ground, leaving a small impact crater. “Stronger, faster…dumber!”

Shikamaru’s eyebrow twitched and he had to hold a hand in front of his face to protect it from debris launched by the parried blows striking the ground. If he had doubts about the strength of samurai before, it would have been completely wiped out now. Their weapons were moving at speeds that made them appear to just be blurs to his eyesight.

“He’s getting better, but still losing himself too much.” Kenzo had been standing with the group of genin observing the spar.

“What do you mean?” Shikamaru asked, never taking his eyes off the fight.

“Makoto-sama mentioned that Shikoujin is a berserker, but what he didn’t mention is that Shikoujin is trying to focus and temper the rage that he feels.” Kenzo said. “The Berserker rage is a trait amongst his clan that gives him increased strength, speed and a numbness to pain depending on the rage that he is feeling. The problem is that he loses his control and technique in the process. He relies on his natural instincts and reactions in battle.”

“I thought that was a good thing?” Choji said as he munched on a chip he had pulled from his pack. Shikamaru realized that his best friend had finally started to relax since reaching the capital if he had started to eat. “I thought that’s why we practice kata? So that we react quickly and naturally.”

“You should react naturally yes, but if you aren’t thinking at all then you will fail to notice the big picture. For example…” Kenzo said and then pointed at the fight. “he is getting completely controlled in this fight. Akeha doesn’t have the speed or strength to block one of his blows. She is leading every one of his attacks into a parry that she has control over.”

Shikamaru’s eyes widened as he watched Akeha even more closely. He had realized that she was parrying every blow, but he didn’t pick up on the fact that she was leading him into those attacks. Looking closer he could see that she was throwing feints in her attacks that Shikoujin reacted to, each attack was lightning fast, but she was already prepared for every move.

‘How many moves has she planned ahead?’ Shikamaru wondered. “Why does he fight like that then?”

“It’s not a choice.” Kenzo huffed. “The berserker trait isn’t a technique he can turn on or off. It is more like a bloodline trait than anything, but there is no explanation as to who inherits it within his clan. Throughout the generations they have taken those that have inherited the trait and separated them from the rest of the clan to train them to handle their trait.”

“They s-separate them?” Hinata asked.

“It’s for everyone’s safety.” Kenzo said with a reassuring voice. “When they trigger their bloodlust and get lost in a haze, they can completely lose track of friend from foe. They separate them out to train them so they can better handle the haze.”

“So, they might hurt their own clansmen if not?” Hinata asked again, there was concern in her voice and Shikamaru noticed that she didn’t stutter.

“That’s right.” Kenzo nodded. “There have been multiple cases of them accidently killing or maiming their own clan members during training. They are unfortunate accidents, and the guilt leads to them taking a death vow.”

“Death vow?” Shikamaru asked.

“A vow to die in battle and the hands of the enemy.” Kenzo said solemnly. “They will regain their honor by killing their enemy and falling in a battle in the place of the person they killed.”

Shikamaru grimaced at the thought. He knew that samurai were extremely honor driven, but to feel like you had to die in the place of another because of something you couldn’t control?

“Shikoujin is little quirky however.” Kenzo chuckled slightly. “See he is actually trying to control it beyond just eliminating the haze. He is trying to control the whole process. He wants the enhanced abilities along with the discipline.”

“Aghh” Shikamaru’s attention snapped back to Shikoujin as he saw the giant man down on his knees with Akeha withdrawing the blunt end of her yari from his abdomen, leaving behind a small indentation in the muscled berserker. She kept her distance as she observed him slowly seem to come back to his senses.

“Hmm.” Kenzo hummed. “He has gotten better.”

“Barely.” Akeha commented as she rested her Yari on her shoulder. She noticed the questioning glances from the genin and smirked. “He is able to calm down now. I used to have to knock him unconscious to get him to stop attacking at times. Now if he gets hurt or realizes he is losing he can come out of it.”

“Still having trouble in the middle of the fight though!” Shikoujin shouted with a laugh as he hopped up. “You keep leading me by the nose every time we fight!”

“That’s everyone I fight.” Akeha grinned.

‘They are incredible.’ Shikamaru realized as he listened to them talk. Naruto had made it clear to not underestimate the samurai, but he still had some doubts about their strength. This demonstration made it clear that they could not be underestimated. He had watched his fellow clansmen and his father spar in the past and was convinced that these two matched some of the best he had seen. Akeha for sure had an analytical fighting style that matched how the Nara’s preferred to fight.

But how did they deal with jutsu? Would the specialty of the ninja tip the scales in their favor? He had a feeling that the samurai would have some form of counter or some kind of technique to level the playing field. He doubted the samurai would exist otherwise.

“What do we have here?”

Shikamaru noticed Akeha and Shikoujin stiffen slightly at the new voice that intruded into the courtyard. The group all turned to see a group of four people approaching the group. A man and woman leading the way, arm in arm, and two that stood slightly back.

It was clear to Shikamaru that the two leading the way were from some sort of nobility. They were both young adults, likely in their early twenties. Both of them had fair skin and long white hair that immediately reminded him of Akeha’s own hair. They both wore ornate kimono’s with the man’s being a light shade of blue with a white Haori decorated with crane motifs. The woman’s Kimono was a darker shade of blue with a white obi. The thing that immediately stuck out though was the similarity of their looks.

‘Twins?’ Shikamaru wondered.

The other two flanking the pair appeared to be bodyguards from different clans. One wore a set of armor that was crimson in color with black clothing underneath. He had dark black hair and black eyes that looked like he was judging everyone before himm. The other man wore a set of gold colored armor like the woman from the lion clan from before. His hair a dirty blonde color with slate blue eyes.

“Hitomaro-sama. Saori-sama.” Kenzo didn’t seem fazed in the slightest as he intercepted the group and bowed slightly. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here, but I am pleased nonetheless.”

“Oh Kenzo-dono.” The woman now identified as Saori cooed and brought a paper fan decorated with cherry blossoms to her face. “How wonderful it is to see you as well. You have spent so much time amongst the garrison and patrolling the fields, but whenever you visit the palace, you spend all of your time with uncle or our cousin.”

Kenzo chuckled. “I am afraid that I rarely have time to visit the palace when not on duty. Your uncle, Daimyo-sama,” Shikamaru noticed how Kenzo inflected the Daimyo’s title. “Even now I am partaking in my duty as was requested.”

Shikamaru took note of the two a little more deeply now that their lineage had been revealed. They hadn’t flinched at all when Kenzo emphasized the Daimyo’s title. They were completely assured of their position.

‘Cousins to Makoto.’ Shikamaru deduced. ‘Likely also in line for the Daimyo’s seat. They look like twins.’

“I am sorry that we are interrupting your duty.” Hitomaro said. “Interesting gossip had been spreading amongst the halls of a court. They said that Kenzo-dono was escorting a team from Konoha.”

“I couldn’t believe such words.” Saori continued for her brother as if he never stopped.

“The great commander of our lands guiding a small team from Konoha?”

“Surely they must have been mistaken.”

“Or perhaps they were right?”

“If they were right.”

“Then Kenzo-dono must be escorting them for a good reason.”

“So maybe they are an interesting group.”

“So perhaps they are worth knowing.”

‘What the hell?’ Shikamaru tried to school his features, but honestly, he was surprised by how they spoke in sequence with one another. It seemed almost too natural, like one knew what the other was always thinking. Or maybe rehearsed?

“They seem interesting.” Kenzo agreed. “Their sensei most so. He is currently meeting with Makoto-sama.”

The pair looked past the samurai and at the three genin assembled behind him. Shikamaru felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine at the looks that they gave him. Their gaze was sharp and assessing in a way that made Shikamaru feel like prey. They were ready to find any little weakness in him and exploit that. This was what sensei had warned them about, they had to be careful.

“A shame that we missed him then.” Saori had a small whine in her voice, but if she was truly pouting Shikamaru could not tell behind the fan. Her eyebrows did rise slightly, however, when her brother broke their contact and walked forward towards the three genin.

“You are quite striking.” Hitomaro said as he walked in front of Hinata. Shikamaru and Choji felt their eyes widen in surprise and Hinata looked ready to bolt. The noble gave her a scan up and down with a raised eyebrow. “Those eyes are exotic.”

“Thank you.” Hinata said with a small voice.

Shikamaru was surprised by Hinata’s lack of stutter, but the smallness in her voice revealed how she felt inside. Hinata had mentioned before that she had some education in politics from her family. She was clearly uncomfortable, but also trying to maintain etiquette.

“Hmm I am not so sure brother.” Saori said as she sauntered up, Shikamaru threw a glance at Kenzo and could see the pensive look on his face. “Her eyes look kind of dead if you ask me.”

“I think they are unique.” He replied sounding slightly agitated. For the first time since the twins had arrived it seemed that they were at odds with one another.

“Don’t you have enough toys in your collection?” Saori said in an annoyed tone and her brother shot her a scathing look. It took him only a moment to collect himself and turn to face Hinata again.

“She has potential. I have seen some of her relatives in the court on occasion, they are quite the beauties.” He stared at her and judging by how pale Hinata looked, she didn’t appreciate the attention. “I think she could fit in quite nicely and grow well here. Just look at how quiet and obedient she is.”

Shikamaru couldn’t help his scowl now, clearly picking up on the noble’s intention. What he couldn’t tell yet was if he was serious about his terrible comments, or if he was baiting a reaction from Hinata or the genin team. Judging from the small bickering happening between the two siblings, it was clear that their earlier synchronization must have been a ruse meant to unnerve them, but the brother was acting differently.

“Of course you would be well provided for. You won’t lack for anything.” He continued.

“Until you grow tired of her, or the people you are trying to show her off to grow tired of her.” Akeha said as she walked over from her spar. Shikamaru could see Shikoujin standing back and away, like he knew his interrupting would cause more harm than good. Hitomaro’s eyes just lit up however as he saw her.

“Akeha!” He exclaimed. “I am sorry I didn’t notice you there. I didn’t expect to see a beauty like yourself involved in such a barbaric display.” Akeha narrowed her eyes slightly but didn’t retort at all. “When are you going to take my up on my offer? I could give you so much.”

“I am doing quite fine.” She replied back sharply.

“Yes yes. I am sure you are quite delighted being around my cousin and all his misfits.” Hitomaro waved his hand in the air dismissively. “You are hurting your position. I am sure you know that.” Akeha’s face never changed. “My cousin’s eccentric nature isn’t the boon you may think it is. The nobles of the court do not share his viewpoints. Every day he keeps this up, his position weakens, and you are going down with him.”

Shikamaru had to admit he was impressed by Akeha’s self-control and shocked by Hitomaro’s comments. Airing court drama in their presence was clearly done on purpose. Attempting to slander the crown prince in front of not only members of the court, but his entourage and outsiders to the capital.

“I am perfectly fine by Makoto-sama’s side.” She said with grace, but Hitomaro just rolled his eyes. His sister stood there with an annoyed look on her face.

“I am sure.” He stated. “I am sure you will see in the future. I will keep a spot open for you.” Then he turned to Hinata. “You however can join me right now if you wish. I am sure there are things I can teach you that will benefit Akeha when she joins you by my side.”

He reached forward to cup Hinata’s chin in his hand, but she stepped back quickly.

“Oh?” Hitomaro said. “And here I thought a pretty little flower like you would want to get away from the ninja life. Live in luxury. Those scared eyes of yours tell me that you may not be cut out for that life.”

“Hey back off!” Shikamaru grit his teeth as Choji interposed his way between the two. He wanted to step in as well but knew how costly a mistake that could be. He needed Kenzo or Akeha to handle this and both looked like they were ready to speak before his big-hearted best friend stepped in the way.

“Oh?” Hitomaro quirked an eyebrow with a smirk. “What do you think you’re doing.”

Shikamaru saw movement from the two samurai that had accompanied the twins. They stepped forward to flank both twins with their hands on the hilts of their weapons. Shikamaru was actually somewhat surprised that they hadn’t drawn their weapons for Choji interposing.

“I…I…I don’t think she wants your attention!” Choji said quickly in a panic, seeing the samurai advancing on him.

“Are you, her boyfriend?” Hitomaro asked and Shikamaru noticed the red bloom on both Choji and especially Hinata’s face, the two sputtered their denial as incoherent babble. “Then why are you standing in my way.”

“She is our teammate.” Choji let out unevenly, his nerves getting the better of him. “And umm…please step back.”

Hitomaro stared at the Akimichi for only a moment before he rolled his eyes. “That was almost polite, but you don’t know your place.” He glanced over his shoulder at the red armored samurai. “Remove the fat one.”

 Multiple things happened at once. Red armored samurai moved forward and reached for Choji’s arm. Akeha protested and moved forward towards samurai, but the one in golden armor moved to intercept her.  Shikoujin stalked forward with a serious look on his face. Choji’s face turned red as his anger at being called the f word, but before he could get any words out Shikamaru leapt forward and clamed a hand on his mouth before he said something that he shouldn’t.

“Urk.”

The grunt of pain from the red armored samurai immediately stopped everyone in their tracks.

“That’s as far as you go.”

Standing directly in between the samurai and genin stood their sensei. The young blond had a tight grip on the wrist of the samurai directly in front of him. Even though the samurai stood at least a foot taller than him, the masked blonde was like a wall in front of his students. After just a moment the blonde shoved the arm back and the samurai stumbled back a step before regaining his balance and placing his hand on the grip of his sword.

“Identify yourself!”

“I think proper manners are that one should introduce themselves when asking someone else, but since it looks like proper manners seem to be lacking here right now.” Naruto emphasized venomously. “My name is Naruto; sensei of team ten. Who are you.”

“I am Bayushi Toshimo.” The now identified Toshimo stated as he looked him up and down. He looked like he was about to speak again when Hitomaro suddenly stepped in front.

“And I am Doji Hitomaro.” The man said with a wide, thin smile, before he waved his hand towards his sister. “And this is my sister Saori. How surprising to see that the famed demon shinobi of Konoha is so young! And a sensei?! So much talent at such a young age.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Naruto bulldozed past the compliments. “What the hell were you doing.”

“What your tongue ninja.” Toshimo hissed over Hitomaro’s shoulder. He attempted to go around the noble, but Hitomaro held out his hand to stop him.

“I was simply making a proposal to young…hmm.” Hitomaro paused for a minute. “I only just now realize I forgot to ask your young Hyuga’s name.”

“Must have been a pretty shitty proposal.” Naruto said, but Shikamaru could hear the controlled temper in his voice. So did every other person present, judging from the narrowing of eyes from the noble party. “Why don’t you apologize and leave.”

“How dare you!” Toshimo growled. “Do you not know who you are speaking to?”

“I don’t care.” Naruto said. “No one messes my team.”

Shikamaru’s mouth formed an o in surprise, as did both of his teammates. All of the warnings that their sensei had given them about how to behave were being ignored by the person who gave them. He was showing just how much he cared about them.

Hitomaro stood there for a moment as his sister observed the situation. The noble’s face was tense, but eventually he relaxed and put on a politician’s smile. “It seems that we have gotten off on the wrong foot, if we could-”.

“No thanks.” Naruto placed his hands on his hips and leaned forward. “You can apologize and leave now.”

“What right do you think you have to order us to leave?” Saori said as she walked up to stand next to her brother, her guard standing just outside her shoulder. “These grounds belong to our family.”

“They are right of course.” Shikamaru nearly jumped in the air as a shogi door opened up from the building and Makoto stood there with a grin. “Though I do seem to remember you saying that you would never dirty the sandals on your feet by visiting my little house of failures. My dear cousins.”

Shikamaru saw the features of the twins’ twist at the sight of Makoto. Saori hid her face behind her fan, but her eyes took on a sharper look as she narrowed her eyes. Hitomaro upper lip curled almost as if in disgust for only a moment before he disguised it with a neutral face.

“True. I did say that before, but I was admittedly very curious to see why the general of fire would be escorting around some young shinobi through the court.” Hitomaro grinned. “So far I am quite impressed, if not a little disappointed by their lack of manners.”

“You lost that chance when you advanced on my students.” Naruto quipped.

“Merely making a proposal for her to join my side at this noble court.” Hitomaro shrugged indifferently. “A very generous offer before your other student forced his way between us.”

Shikamaru was expecting a sharp reply or an angered reaction to the comment from his sensei. Naruto’s shoulders started to shake before he let out a bellowing laugh that made him bend at the waist and grab his stomach.  The genin and everyone around were stunned by the action.

“Oh…oh I haven’t…haha…” Naruto was trying to catch his breath but continued to laugh, much to the growing annoyance of the twins and their guards. “I haven’t heard something that funny in a long time.”

“Please enlighten me.” Hitomaro said with a tightness in his voice. “What was so funny about what I said.”

“Oh wow.” Naruto exclaimed in surprise. “You were being serious?”

‘Where is he going with this.’ Shikamaru thought.

“She is the heiress of the Hyuga clan, the most noble clan in all of Konoha with a history rooted in the land of fire.” Naruto cocked his thumb towards Hinata. “          You are just some second-rate noble with a trash personality that seems to think he has power because of his family name. You are so below her level I honestly thought it was a joke.”

A stunned silence enveloped the courtyard. Shikamaru’s mouth was entirely agape at the scene.

‘Why would he…’ An idea clicked in his head about why his sensei would be so overtop. ‘He is taking everything on himself.’

“You…you dare.” Hitomaro stuttered.

“Haha!” Makoto’s uproarious laughter echoed in courtyard cause the nobles and the visitors to look at the crown prince shocked. Shikoujin also joined in on the laughter after a moment as well, followed by Akeha. “He seems to understand you pretty good dear cousin.”

“You laugh?” Hitomaro said with venom in his voice. “He insults your own family, and you laugh? You think this is acceptable?”

“I found it funny.” Makoto grinned. “And he insulted how you act, never the family directly.”

Hitomaro was about to retort, but Toshimo quickly moved to stand in front of him and bowed. “Hitomaro-sama! Please allow me to defend your honor, I cannot stand here and watch this any longer.”

Shikamaru swallowed a lump in his throat and glanced at his teammates. All three of them were pale in face and watching the situation anxiously. Hitomaro had a thoughtful look on his face as he looked at Toshimo and sometimes glanced over at Makoto and Naruto as well. Finally, he looked at his sister who gave no indication, but a grin spread across his face.

“Thank you Toshimo.” Hitomaro said with smooth voice as Toshimo rose from his position. “Truly you understand honor and are a good friend to myself and my family.”

“Shinobi!” Toshimo roared and swirled around onto Naruto. “I challenge you to a duel!”

“Bring it.” Naruto responded immediately, surprising his team.

“S-sensei.” Hinata’s whisper was ignored as Naruto and Toshimo walked through the group and towards the center of the grounds that Akeha and Shikoujin previously used to spar.

“I do still need Naruto-kun and his team. So, I only approve this as a duel to first blood.” Makoto interjected as the two stood across from one another. The two nodded in acknowledgement.

“I am Bayushi Toshimo of the Scorpion clan and a member of the Black Wind Sword School.” Toshimo spoke as he unsheathed his blade and took a stance across from Naruto. Shikamaru saw that his sensei was in the middle of the routine that he had seen him perform a couple of times, bouncing from one foot to another and stretching his arms across his body. After a moment he rolled his neck around and then pulled out kunai, twirled it around his finger before firmly gripping it a reverse style.

“I am Naruto, Jonin of the Hidden Leaf and leader of squad ten.” Naruto responded to the samurai.

Shikamaru’s eyes darted around, seeing how everyone was intently staring at the pair. He could remember Naruto’s words that the strength of the samurai was not to be taken lightly, and from his observations of Shikoujin and Akeha, he was worried for his sensei. The samurai was an escort for a noble, he wouldn’t be weak right?

His sensei blurred forward, and steel clashed with steel. The two had their blades locked together and pushed against one another as Toshimo grit his teeth. The two broke apart with a flurry of strikes that sent sparks flying as the katana and kunai clashed rapidly. The two engaged in a rapid dance of blades that clashed back and forth with Naruto dodging every blow that couldn’t be parried and immediately counter attacking. Something was off about the exchange that Shikamaru noticed.

It was lacking…?

‘What is this?’ Shikamaru wondered. ‘This doesn’t feel like the fight earlier fight. It’s slower…weaker.’

Compared to the spar between Akeha and Shikoujin, Shikamaru found the fight far less impressive. They weren’t as fast, as strong, or as precise. Could it simply be that Akeha and Shikoujin were that much stronger? That didn’t seem right to the rumors surrounding Naruto.

‘He’s holding back.’ Shikamaru realized. He was making it look like a good fight, but in reality, his sensei had moved faster during their circle test when he practically teleported to Hinata. Judging from the expressions of Makoto and his entourage, they also realized the same thing with Makoto even smirking as he watched the exchange.

“I expected more shinobi!” Toshimo shouted as he swung an overhead blow that could have cleanly cut through Naruto had he not nimbly stepped back. “You spoke so rudely to Hitomaro-sama! I thought you would be able to back it up.”

Naruto jumped back a couple of paces and his shoulders slumped as if he was pouting. “Man.” Naruto whined and reached to rub the back of his neck. “I was trying to give you some face, since I thought you were just following orders. I haven’t even used a jutsu… If that’s how you want it…”

Shikamaru blinked and realized that Naruto was now standing several paces past Toshimo. The samurai’s face was frozen in shock as he felt a cut on his cheek and a small trail of blood run down. Makoto and Kenzo had a smirk on their faces, but the rest of the group were in wide eyed shock.

“Naruto is the winner.”

“What…” Hitomaro mumbled loudly enough that everyone heard him.

“Very impressive.” Kenzo boasted as he clapped Naruto on the shoulder. “I thought that it was the famed shunshin jutsu at first, but that was pure speed and skill.” He then looked at the recovering Toshimo’s ashen face. “Let this motivate you. You have talent, but it seems your skills have stagnated recently.”

To his credit Toshimo seemed to take the words to heart with a contemplative look. “Thank you General.”

“Sensei is really fast. I couldn’t see anything.” Chouji whispered. Shikamaru and Hinata could only nod in agreement. None of them were able to track the movement that Naruto had just displayed in the blink of an eye. “Did sensei release his restraining seals?”

“I couldn’t tell.” Shikamaru whispered and Hinata agreed. Shikamaru knew that Naruto must have done it, there was no way their sensei could move that fast with the level of restraint he was under. He must have a way to deactivate the seal without removing the bands or touching them.

“You’re annoying when you are right.” Shikamaru heard Akeha mutter. He noticed that she was standing next to Makoto who was looking at her smugly.  She rolled her eyes and shook her head at Makoto’s antics and went to join Shikoujin who was now praising Naruto and asking for a spar.

The other group in the courtyard had yet to move. The twins both sported calculating looks on their faces but didn’t appear to be too upset at the loss. Toshimo apologized with a bow that Hitomaro accepted quickly. They kept a calculating gaze on Naruto as the Scorpion clan member fell back into place behind the brother and sister. There was no upset or defeated expression on their face, instead it reminded Shikamaru of how some of his clan members may be planning their next move in shogi.

“Oh my. How unusual for so many to be here.”

Everyone turned towards the entrance at the introduction of the new voice. Standing there was bald man with dark thick eyebrows with a soft smile on his face. He was dressed in style of a ninja monk, but a sash around his waist that has the kanji for fire on it.

“Chiriku!” Makoto shouted happily as he walked across the courtyard to meet him. “Good to see you.”

“You did ask for me to come.” The man joked.

“I did. I did.” Makoto laughed and clapped his back.

‘Chiriku? Isn’t that the ninja monk that Naruto mentioned before? The one that fought alongside the Hokage’s son?’ Shikamaru thought as he realized who was walking over to them.

“Now it makes sense that the Konoha team is here.” Shikamaru heard Hitomaro remark with a small smile. “We will take our leave then. I apologize for my rudeness before.”

Shikamaru watched as the two Doji and the samurai exchanged small greetings with Chiriku before walking out of the entrance of the courtyard with small smiles on their faces. Shikamaru couldn’t help but wonder what was going through their minds.

“Now that we are all in here.” Hitomaro happily said as he walked Chiriku up to the group. “Let’s head inside and discuss the mission.”

OoOoOoOoO

Naruto released a groan as he collapsed into a chair in the corner of the room that his team had been assigned to. The room was the last one available at the Leaf barracks located in the capital and came with two full size beds. Shikamaru collapsed on one of the beds after dropping his pack and Choji sat heavily on the same bed. Hinata set her stuff down on a writing desk and stood nervously looking at the two beds.

“Go ahead and take the other bed Hinata.” Naruto said sensing her discomfort. “I will take the chair. It’s more comfortable than most sleeping arrangements I had on missions.”

Hinata looked slightly relieved at that, but there was still some hesitation on her part.

“S-sensei.” Hinata began, but hesitated. Naruto could sense a dark emotion clouding around her. “I’m sorry.”

“What for?” Naruto cocked his head to the side slightly confused.

“The c-conflict…with Hitomaro.” Hinata said with her eyes looking straight at the ground.

Instantly Naruto could sense the same feeling coming from his other two students as the conflict was brought back to the forefront of their mind. Naruto realized that he would need to explain what happened since they probably didn’t realize what he had after the meeting.

-Flashback-

Naruto was scowling under his mask as he watched the Samurai apologize to Hitomaro for his failure during the duel. Naruto had let his anger get the better of him when he saw what was happening to his students when he arrived on the scene. The feelings that he had sensed from Hinata and Choji had been strong enough for him to sense from the other side of the building and overwhelmed the feelings from every other person present.

Naruto knew that he should have taken a more diplomatic and calm approach, but his anger burned hot at what he witnessed when he arrived. Seeing one of his students being harassed and another one about to be physically touched set him off. He already didn’t want to be on this mission anyway and  for them to get into this situation the first moment that he was separated from them only validated his concerns about the mission.

But now that he was watching the interaction between Toshimo and Hitomaro he suspected that he had been played. There was a negative feeling coming from Toshimo and the other Samurai, but the twins were completely devoid of negative emotions. And now that Naruto thought about it, he was sure the only time he felt a negative emotion from the twins was when he directly insulted him. But when the two left after Chiriku arrived, displaying a small smile on their faces it confirmed it for him.

‘You idiot…you fell right into it…’ Naruto berated himself. ’They lost nothing and gained information about a possible ally to Makoto.”

“Naruto! Team ten!” Makoto said as he walked up to the group with Chiriku standing next to him. “May I present your mission.”

“Well part of your mission.” Makoto added after just a moment with a smile on his face.

Naruto stood there stunned for a moment, this wasn’t what he was expecting. “I thought this was a delivery mission, not an escort.”

“It is.” Makoto nodded. “Let’s go back inside and discuss this.”

The group walked back into the dojo space that they were in before. Shikoujin had dismissed himself saying that he had training to do, but Kenzo and Akeha had stuck around. Naruto also noticed that the couple of people that had disappeared during his conversation with Makoto earlier were back to work in their rooms. The group settled themselves on the tatami mats at Makoto’s insistence.

“Every year the daimyo sends out donations to various organizations across the Land of Fire for benefit of the nation. One of those organizations is the Fire Temple of which Chiriku is a member.”  Makoto said. “Chiriku is here to join you and act as a guide so you can deliver our donation for this year. He was in court to perform some ceremonies and partake in discussion as a representative of the temple. The timing is quite lucky, so I arranged your team to arrive before he leaves for home.”

‘I guess that is good news.’ Naruto thought, realizing he would feel more comfortable with the safety of his team with a former member of the twelve guardian ninjas with them.

“I still have some business to attend to, but I should be ready to leave tomorrow afternoon.” Chiriku nodded. “I would be happy to join you.”

“Couldn’t he just take the delivery himself?” Shikamaru asked.

“Traditionally we deliver it straight to the temple.” Makoto answered. “It’s a bit of a show, but we do not want to give the impression of the temple coming to the court to ask for money. We donate the same way as everyone else.”

“Understood.” Naruto answered. “Team ten will get it done.”

“I will be ready to leave from the East gate by two tomorrow.” Chiriku said.

“Thank you.” Naruto nodded and then stood from his spot on the tatami mat, his team following his lead. “We will pick up the money before we meet you.”

“By the way Naruto-kun.” Makoto said, causing Naruto to pause and look at the crown prince. “The amount you are transporting this year is one hundred million.”

The teams’ jaws dropped.

-Flashback End-

“It was my fault.” Naruto explained softly. “That was a trap and I fell right into it.”

“Trap?” Choji asked confused.

“Yeah. They used you to get to me.” Naruto sighed, ashamed of himself for his mistake and feeling down about admitting it to his team. “They antagonized you so to get a reaction out of us. And I fell right into it.”

“Sensei…” Choji whispered.

“I am actually proud of you.” Naruto smiled under his mask. “You held up really well from what I could tell. And Choji I am proud of you for coming to your teammates defense.”

Choji blushed slightly at the praise.

“I shouldn’t have reacted like I did.” Naruto admitted. “All I did by being dismissive was insult them and give them a reason to have me display my skills. They got what they wanted and learned about my abilities.”

“Why would they do that?” Hinata asked softly.

“I am a potential ally to one of their rivals.” Naruto shrugged. “They seem to not like Makoto much.”

“Oh.” Hinata finally went and sat on the bed. “Did they really gain anything?”

“They got a rough idea of some of my ability, but really, they learned how I react to situations. They saw how I reacted to someone messing with my team and that I don’t care about their position in the court.” Naruto said. “In short they now know for sure I will not be an ally to them.”

“What do we do?” Shikamaru asked, his gaze sharp and calculating.

“Nothing.” Naruto relaxed as he ran his hand through his hair, realizing that he could use a shower after all of their travel. “We complete the mission, return home, and hope we never have to deal with these politics again.”

“You really think that’s going to happen.”

‘No.’  Naruto thought immediately. Judging from how Makoto acted, the man was still interested in learning more about Naruto and possibly recruiting him as a “friend”. Naruto couldn’t tell the future, but they would interact again, he was sure of it.

“I am not sure.” Naruto said to the team. “But we should take advantage of the short break before we leave tomorrow. Let’s all get cleaned up and hit the hay.”

OoOoOoOoO

His nostrils stung with a burning feeling as he smelled the drink that had been put in front of him. The foul-smelling alcohol made him wince, but on his budget, it was all he could afford. At this point any kind of relief from his stress was necessary.

“What do I do…” Shugo whispered to himself as he swallowed the fiery liquid.

The dimly lit bar at the edge of the outer district of the city was lively as ever. The bar was large, cheap, and always drew in a crowd. They didn’t serve the best tasting stuff, but it got the job done for the people that were normally patrons. Usually full of laborers from the factories and city guards like himself.

‘Former city guard.’ He thought bitterly as he stared at the drink that had been refilled. New policies and administration from the Daimyo’s court had increased efficiency of the patrol and police force. The city was experiencing an unprecedented period of peace for a city this large. The town no longer needed as many guards as possible to protect it.

He was unfortunately one of the men that was relieved of his position. His captain apologized, saying that he didn’t want to relieve people, but still was forced to let him go and wished him well. His captain couldn’t help that the timing of him losing his job just so happened to come a week after his wife informed him that they were expecting their third child.

His search for a new job had been difficult so far. There were numerous guards suddenly without employment flooding the market with similar skill sets. He was lucky though. He was recruited for guard work for one of the Mantis clan’s merchant caravans. The work would take him away from his family for weekly trips, but the pay would make up for it and provide their family with a comfortable life.

The only problem is that they were recruiting for a new caravan being put together for a new trade route. They would not be ready to start traveling and trading for another month according to the man that recruited him. They were also unwilling to pay him up front before the work started.

His guilt welled up in chest as he looked at the empty glass ahead of him. He had used some change that he found on the ground to pay for the drink, knowing that he should have saved the money for his family. There was no way they could survive for another month with no money.

“I can’t believe you are drinking this swill.”

Shugo startled slightly when he felt a hand clap on his shoulder and man sit on the barstool next to him. It took him a moment to recognize the man.

“Nao?” Shugo asked. Nao had been a guard that was stationed at the same garrison as himself but worked on a different shift. They often crossed each other’s path as they walked into and out of work. They were friendly with each other and had caught drinks at this bar a few times in the past.

“How are you doing Shugo!” Nao laughed as he ordered a drink for himself. “I heard you were let go too.”

“Too?” Shugo asked. “Were you let go as well?”

“Yep. I got the axe as well. Can’t say that I didn’t expect it.” He shrugged. “I didn’t have a long of tenure as most of the others on the squad.”

Shugo nodded in understanding, it was the same reason he had lost his position after all.

“Have you found new work?” Shugo asked, seeing as how the other man seemed to be fine spending money on a higher quality drink.

“Hmm? Oh yea. I found some work.” Nao replied without looking back at Shugo. “Why have you had trouble?”

“You could say that.” Shugo said. “I found a job, but unfortunately it doesn’t start for another month.”

“You got the money stowed away to last you?” Shugo just shook his head. “Damn. Didn’t I hear you have another baby on the way?”

“Yes.” Shugo said quietly.

“Damn.” Nao said with a grimace and then looked at Shugo contemplatively. “Listen…let’s say I have some work that would help you be secure until you new job starts. What would you be willing to do?”

Shugo’s eyes widened in shock. Was he insinuating something illegal? Nao had never given him that kind of vibe before, but it’s not like they knew each other that well. Shugo had always been a strait-laced guy and didn’t consider anything illegal.

‘But I have to support my family…’

“What is it?” Shugo whispered.

“It’s aggressive negotiations.” Nao whispered back. “Look I don’t like it, but the couple jobs I have done for them is just to act as some muscle. Just looked strong and as a number and they just handed over the goods.”

“Are you a bandit now?!” Shugo whisper yelled causing Nao to put his hand over his mouth trying to get him to calm down.

“Will you keep it down.” Nao hissed. “I didn’t want to do it either, but I got in some debt trouble after I got let go! It hasn’t been so bad so far; everyone has just given up the money and moved along peacefully. I am almost out of my debt with them, but if you don’t have any. So, your share would just be your money.”

Shugo stared at Nao for a minute in thought. He knew that he was desperate, but was he really willing to be a bandit? These were the kind of people that he would be fighting against, in his new career, next month.

The image of his pregnant wife flashed in his mind.

“Just one job will keep my afloat?” Shugo asked quietly.

“The boss called in for all the help he could get right away.” Nao leaned in close. “It’s gotta be a big job. I will be outta debt and you will be clear until your new job starts. We wear masks to keep our identity hidden and then we go back on the straight and narrow after we’re done.”

Shugo grimaced and considered for another minute in thought. Finally, he nodded his head and agreed to be a part of it. Nao gave him the time and location to meet him that nigh. He used the short time to go home and spend some time with his family and to let his wife know he would be gone for a little bit. She looked worried when she looked at his face, but he tried to reassure her that everything was alright. Giving them all a kiss he walked out the door towards one of the warehouse districts to connect with Nao before heading to the meet up spot.

“Just stay relaxed and I will do most of the talking.” Nao said as they approached a door guarded by a couple of men.

“Hey Nao. Who’s this?” One of the men asked as they approached.

“This is Shin.” Nao clapped Shugo on the back with a grin, carefully controlling his reaction to not give anything away. He didn’t know that Nao was going to give him a fake name, but he was grateful for it. “We go back a ways from my time as a guard and he is desperate for some cash. Thought the boss could use some more muscle if he’s calling for anyone he could get his hand on.”

“Yeah?” The man looked at them both for a moment. “Well, that’s fine and all, but just so you know the boss is serious about this one. It’s big time. Once you walk in, you ain’t backing out alive.”

Shugo looked worried, but still nodded his head when Nao looked at him to confirm. They both walked into the warehouse and saw that there were at least three dozen guys sitting around and chatting with one another. Nao led them over a couple of guys that were standing next to some crates at the outer edge.

“Yo Katsuo. Mamoru.” Nao got the two men’s attention and shook their hands as they introduced themselves to Shugo. “Any clue on what the job is?”

“No.” Katsuo shook his head and leaned back against the box. “All I heard is that the gang was recruited for this by someone outside. Apparently, some information on something big.”

“We must be getting a reputation if outsiders coming to us.” Mamoru grinned and Katsuo grinned right back. Shugo just felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach.

‘This isn’t their job?’ He wasn’t sure why, but the sinking feeling in his stomach was getting stronger.

“The boss should be back…speak of the devil.” Katsuo smiled as he looked across the room at a door and five figures walked towards the crowd. The one at the lead appeared to be leader of the group of men in the warehouse. The other four wore dark grey cloaks around their bodies and three of them had large brim hats that covered most of their features in shadows. One of the men with the group had dark green hair and purple eyes, with a forehead protector with four vertical lines across it.

‘Oh no…what have I gotten involved with...’