Desperation Attracts Vultures Chapter 10: Snow is Coming, a naruto fanfic

Whoops. I totally thought I posted this last chapter weeks ago. I've had it done since like September. My bad.

XXXXXX

"Many of you here today know of honor and glory on a battlefield. Few in the world could ever attest to that claim. Although in my brief stay in this village I have found that the shinobi of Konoha are a breed unlike any other. I have witnessed first hand the Will of Fire that your Hokage has held such pride in. I may not be one of you, but I know of your history. Your struggles. Your triumphs. I understand that your people have befallen rough times with the most recent invasion. Yet if any group of people have shown the world that rough times do not come to stay, they come to pass, those would be the people of Konoha." The woman spoke to the gathered sea of people dressed in black each of them carrying a single white flower.

"However do not mistake my praise. I understand these coming times will be hard. Mourning the dead will be difficult. Yet it is in the face of great loss and adversity that some of those among you rise above and become something greater than who your formerly were. As such while we are here to mourn those that you have lost, we are also here to commend those who have displayed great valor on the field of battle. So at the behest of your Hokage, in his words we shall commend those whose will burned bright in the darkest times."

The woman in blue continued on to acknowledge and recount the acts of great valor for the people before her as the sea of shinobi and civilians alike stood rapt at attention.

Within the crowd a group of young rookies near the back quietly spoke to one another. "Why is she delivering this speech instead of another shinobi of Konoha? It would be better coming from one of our own." the pink haired girl said quietly as she clutched at the white flower in her hand.

At the girl's side stood Shikamaru watching the speech continue to unfold, "Whether anyone is going to admit it here or not, the Mizukage's efforts at the hospital saved hundreds of lives and families that were unable to reach the tunnels when she could have just left our village to the mercy of the Sand and Sound. Or she could have joined and assisted them. Given that she was the one that protected the hospital and all of our friends before other shinobi arrived, what do you think could have happened if she chose to destroy it?" Shikamaru questioned.

The young genin remained silent at that thought, and the potential loss of life.

"While this speech may have been better delivered by someone of greater standing, The Hokage is still in the hospital. I could guarantee you that she will be declaring peace between our villages by the end of this." Shikamaru assessed.

The woman continued on as she began listing individual shinobi's efforts, and promotions in rank.

"Do you think anyone that participated in the exams will be promoted?" The older weapons mistress of team Gai wondered.

"I think given the invasion, that's out the wind-"

"To Nara Shikamaru for leading and devising a plan to defend Konoha's medical facility and it's future generation, you have been presented the title of chunin."

"Looks like you don't know as much as you think Shikamaru." Tenten teased the stunned Nara.

Although the young Nara was too shocked to even retort with his wit, "But... but someone died on my watch."

"And lastly and perhaps most notably is someone who is currently not present at this ceremony, but his act perhaps saved this village's very existence." Mei spoke loudly as the crowd awaited the final promotion.

"To Uzumaki Naruto for exemplary performance in the exams, your promotion was set to be awarded. However the feats the shinobi in question performed amidst the invasion include protecting the hospital and those under it's care, saving civilians trapped in the streets during the invasion from enemy shinobi, defeating the one tailed beast known as Shukaku, and it's container. Then continuing on to assist in saving the life of the present Hokage by battling your former Nidaime Hokage. A battle which resulted in ultimately in the death of Konoha's most notorious missing ninja and one of the Sannin, Orochimaru. Uzumaki Naruto is hereby awarded the rank of Tokubetsu Chunin. Your Hokage acknowledges that Uzumaki Naruto's Will of Fire burned brighter than all others on that day."

Within the group of genin near the back of the stunned crowd, one of them asked the question that repeated in their minds.

"Naruto did... what?"

XXXXXX

"Naruto, I know that look well. Something is eating you up. What is it?" The aged Hokage asked as he sat in his bed with his legs in casts and a patch over his eye.

Naruto looked up from his hospital seat next to the Hokage's bed. The blonde didn't look much better with cuts and deep purple bruises littering his visible body along his veins. "What do you mean?" The blonde returned as he sat up straighter in his chair.

"Most who visit me don't come in and sit down looking at their hands for hours on end when I'm awake. So what is on your mind?"

Naruto pursed his lips as he leaned back in his chair, his hand covering his mouth in thought. "Do you... do you remember the stories you used to tell me when I was a boy?"

"I may have a long memory Naruto, but I am also old. Which stories are on your mind?"

"You would tell me when I was a kid that the world would be a better place without killing. That the act only serves to bring about more hatred in the world. You said it was a philosophy that one of your students also believed."

The Hokage nodded his head in acknowledgment as Naruto continued.

"For that reason I grew up and I wanted to be a ninja that could shape the world without killing. Do you believe that is even possible?"

"I do, but only if one can expunge the darkness in their heart can they truly find peace."

"So you believe there is a darkness then?" Naruto spoke quickly.

"I believe that there are many forms of it and that there are those that walk among us with darkness buried inside them."

"And what if I was put in a position to stop one of those people with darkness within them from ever hurting anyone? Should I?"

"I suppose Naruto the question is how you intended to do that."

The two shinobi's eyes met in a silent staredown as the Hokage's eyes softened.

"I heard what happened during your battle with the Kazekage's son Gaara, and I can see that it's affecting you now. I want you to know that it's never easy taking a person's life Naruto. The reason the cycle of hatred exists is because of a person stripping away all of the years another has lived, stripping them away from those that love them and the goals they set to accomplish. It is something I must face as Hokage every time a person's life is in my hands. Although I knew from the moment you were born that if there were anyone that would grow to be a truly good person, it would be you Naruto. I know it in my heart that you're destined for great things."

"Then why do you think the Fourth put a demon in me? I remember as a kid in the orphanage they would tell me that I held a demon in me. I only realize now it wasn't a metaphor. And ever since my battle with Gaara and his death, I just feel it in the back of my mind clawing to be let out."

"And he put it in you Naruto because he knew you could keep that door locked."

"But for how long?"

"I don't know Naruto. Very few things are set in stone. Even Orochimaru used to be my prized student."

Naruto tightened his jaw and shook his head, "I hate it. I wanted to blame the demon in me for what I did to Gaara. What I tried to do to the Nidaime. What I want to do to the shinobi of Snow Country."

The aged Hokage sighed as he looked upon the young shinobi with a soft gaze, "Naruto, I have seen many shinobi come and go upon the path of revenge. I want you to know that killing these shinobi won't bring you peace."

"Peace isn't what I'm after." Naruto replied firmly.

Hiruzen let out another sigh as he gained a distant look, "In that case, I have your first mission as a Tokubestu Chunin Naruto, but only if you accept my one condition."

XXXXXX

"Kiba! Where did you even get all of that?" the pink haired shinobi exclaimed in surprise as the young dark haired Inzuka burst through the doors with Akamaru at his heels. In his hands were two large crates full of white bottles.

"I have to agree, that is enough sake to down even a professional alcoholic Kiba." Shino addressed pushing his glasses further on his nose.

Kiba grinned, "I took them from my mom's stash down below. Besides, we're all ninja now, and we have never had a party like this yet for us rookies. Come on, we all made it through the second stage of the chunin exams!" the Inuzuka member tried to raise the energy in the room, "And lets be honest, of everyone who could have won, none of us were thinking this guy." Kiba gestured with a shit eating grin.

"Well you sure as hell weren't going to win Kiba." Shikamaru stated bluntly as he plucked the first sake bottle from the crate in Kiba's hands much to Kiba's outburst.

"That's not cool man. He got lucky! And if I lost to the champion, that-"

"Does not mean you could beat anyone else in here." Sasuke commented with a smirk, joining in with the sake. His act seemed to spark the other able shinobi gathered in the room as one by one each genin came through and plucked a sake bottle from the crate.

"H-hey! Let me set these down first." Kiba managed to get out barely shoving his way through to the table as the sea of genin surged forward. Each young shinobi gathered bottle after bottle one by one. Team 9, Sakura, Chouji, and even both Ami and Hanabi, the unofficial members of the surviving rookies followed suit to complete the circle. Gai's team was also willing, although Lee's bottle was promptly plucked from his hands by a fiery tempered Tenten who quietly scolded the young green beast.

"Naruto, a toast to Ino?" Shikamaru suggested as the last in line stepped forward to the bottles.

The young shinobi in question let out a sigh as his fingers traced the selection of bottles. "I didn't come here to drink. I miss her just like the rest of you. But mourning her isn't going to bring her back. I came here to ask for four of you to join me on a mission I was just given."

"A mission? Right after the invasion?" Hinata voiced, her sake bottle sitting at her side untouched.

"Konoha is trying to put on a show to the other villages. Although it won't matter if the Mizukage reveals to the world what happened here." Shino addressed.

"The Mizukage doesn't have to. The damage has been done. Those who already retreated to Suna have done that by now already. The Hokage needs contractors to rebuild what was lost." Shikamaru assessed as he locked eyes with Naruto, as he too left his drink discarded at his side.

"The Hokage has give me permission to take four people of my choosing." Naruto explained.

"Why you though? You've never led a team yet." Sakura questioned.

"I'm going to Wave Country to see Tazuna."

Silence and recognition flashed over the faces of Team Seven as other genin looked among each other in confusion.

"But why you?"

Tenten was promptly answered by the smirking Uchiha, "Because he's Wave country's hero. The Great Naruto Bridge is what they called it."

"I bet that bruised your ego." Kiba quipped with a smirk.

"Not as much as losing to a fart." Sasuke fired back effortlessly leaving the Inuzuka simmering, and the group smiling.

"Guys." Shikamaru prompted with his hand to silence the room, "Naruto, who do you need?"

Naruto nodded respectfully as he first gestured, "First I need you Shikamaru. I wouldn't have made it past Dosu without you." Naruto explained.

The pineapple haired boy's eyes widened briefly in surprise, but gratefully nodded.

"As for the next person, the Hokage said that if you accept this mission you would be immediately promoted to genin alongside the rest of you in this room. Hanabi, will you join me?"

The dark haired girl looked up in surprise at the selection. Her gaze bounced between both the blonde and her clan members as she found herself on unsure footing, "I'd need to bring this to my father, but I accept if he allows it."

Naruto pursed his lips realizing it was probably the best he would get from the Hyuuga clan princess, "And Sakura?"

The pink haired girl had been watching the events keenly only to shake her head in surprise at the mention of her own name, "What?"

"Will you join my team?"

"W-why?" Sakura looked around stunned as she tried to gauge the reactions of others in the surrounding room, "Uh, sure, of course." she mumbled still stunned.

Naruto's eyes then locked with Sasuke's, the dark haired Uchiha whose recovering arm was resting loosely in a sling. "Then the last person I need on my team is."

Sasuke's smirk further increased as Naruto dragged out his last selection.

"Ami."

"What!" Sasuke blurted out incredulously.

"Ami, the same goes for you as it does Hanabi. The Hokage told me that if you choose to join the team you will be promoted to genin and reassigned back to Team 10 upon arrival." Naruto spoke evenly as Sasuke started seething in front of the blonde.

Ami looked equally as stunned as Sakura, although no words could form from her mouth. Unlike Sakura's choice however, those gathered around viewed the selection with equal surprise and confusion, and shared Sasuke's less than subtle sentiment.

"Unless you enjoy working in your grocery store that is." Naruto tacked on with a smirk.

"I'll go." Ami said quickly doing her best to ignore the various looks sent her way.

"Good. We're leaving tonight and meeting at the main gate in three hours. Don't be late."

Naruto abruptly turned and left the party leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Suddenly all of the bottles of sake remained next to those untouched.

Kiba was the first to break the silence.

"So... Wave country again huh? So much for a party."

Sasuke's scowl further increased.

XXXXXX

"Sakura, I thought you would be at the celebration." the tired eyed form of Yuhi Kurenai asked as the pink haired girl stepped through the hospital doorway.

"I was. Although the celebration ended early." the girl explained with a frown.

"How come?" team eight's sensei wondered.

"Naruto asked a number of us to join him on a mission. I was just hoping to get advice from Kakashi-sensei."

Kurenai whistled quietly to herself, "Well he sure surpassed the expectations that others had for him." the red eyed woman commented, "As for Kakashi, he still hasn't woken up yet."

"Oh." Sakura frowned, "Alright then."

"Is there something I can help you with Sakura?"

The pink haired girl's head rose to meet the red eyed woman's.

"Just because I'm not your sensei doesn't mean I can't give you advice. What's on your mind?"

Sakura shook her head, "It's just... I'm one of the people Naruto chose."

"And you accepted?"

The pink haired girl nodded.

"Then what is the problem?"

"Why would he choose me?"

"I'm not sure I follow you Sakura. Aren't you his teammate? Why wouldn't he choose you."

Sakura's lips pursed at the thought as her eyes found an interest in her shoes, "I'm weak. All of the other genin my age are stronger than me."

"But I heard you were smart?" Kurenai provided.

"Shikamaru is smart. He thinks tactics and plans several steps ahead of the rest of us. I'm just good with books."

"Is that what you believe?"

"You were there in the preliminary exams. You saw my match with... Ino." The girl explained, her best friend's name weighing heavily on her tongue. "If I had fought anyone else that day, I would have lost. I just don't know why Naruto chose me."

"Perhaps he sees something in you that you have yet to see in yourself?" Kurenai suggested.

"He has always seen the best in me while I have always treated him awfully." Sakura stated shaking her head in disbelief, "He chose me over Sasuke. That shouldn't have happened."

Kurenai raised an eyebrow at that note. That was surprising. "Who else did he choose?"

"Shikamaru, a girl in our class that graduated the academy but didn't make it onto a team, and Hinata's sister."

"Hanabi?" Kurenai wondered in surprise. "But she isn't even a genin yet."

Sakura shrugged her shoulders, "The Hokage let him choose both of them, and they would be promoted to genin. We are supposed to go to Wave Country to hire contractors to help rebuild the village."

"Then perhaps he chose you Sakura because it is not brawn that Naruto is looking for, but instead finesse."

XXXXXX

"Well aren't you packing up quickly. You know, your mother won't appreciate you running off in the middle of the night."

The young pineapple haired Nara stopped stuffing equipment into his backpack as he looked back to his father. "I was asked to join a team for a mission."

His father nodded, "I suppose it is rather soon, although not uncommon. I'm not entirely sure the Mizukage has even left yet. Who's your leader?"

"Naruto. He says we're going to Wave Country in order to reach out to the contractor's his team met when they took the mission there earlier this year. We're supposed to hire them to help with the repairs to the village." Shikamaru explained.

Shikaku raised an eyebrow at the statement, "Are you sure about that?"

"That's what he said." Shikamaru commented with a shrug as he continued stuffing his bag with the gear sorted around his room. Although his father's silence soon prompted the young man to turn around, "Why?"

"The village's repairs are going along quite readily. While contractors will help, I don't believe there will be much for them to do by the time you return. This could only mean two things. T-"

"That either the Hokage wants to build something greater than simply what is being rebuilt, or this isn't the real mission." The thought soured the young Nara's expression.

"Shika, do you trust Naruto?" his father asked softly.

The younger Nara nodded.

"Then trust him to lead you. My son, I know that you and your friend have seen rough times with your graduation, far rougher than any of those that came before you in the past ten years. However you're a Nara, you need to be strong." his father stated as he clapped his son on the shoulder.

"I thought strength was for the Akimichi's."

Shikaku snorted at his son's smirk, "Your wit is what gets you in trouble Shikamaru. But I'm not asking you just to be strong, Naruto is counting on you to be smart."

"But Dad, Ino was counting on me, and I failed her."

"Ah there it is." His father rapped the boy on the back lightly, "I see you have adopted the trait of Nara's always blaming themselves for misfortune. It's a common trait, not one easily rid of."

Shikamaru pursed his lips unamused with the banter, "Dad..."

"Do you want to know how to get rid of it?"

Shikamaru's interest piqued.

"You can't. There is no cure. But there is a remedy. Watch your friends, tend to them, and make sure you don't lose any more."

"Snow shinobi killed Ino. I won't let that happen to any of my friends again. Even if I have to-"

"Shikamaru. Be careful. Rage and fear are the two key components that turn a decent man cruel."

The youth fell silent at his father's revelation.

"Then what do you expect me to do? Just forget about them?"

"I expect you to follow Naruto, protect your friends, and provide your brilliant counsel when you feel it is required."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, "Naruto saved their country from a tyrant and poverty, and we're going to go ask a few contractors to help us. I don't think my counsel will be much required."

"Unless that isn't where you're going." Shikaku returned.

XXXXXX

"I must protest Hanabi-sama, your father has already set to retire for the evening. Perhaps i-"

"Perhaps I will decide when I must address my father Tokuma!" Hanabi claimed whirling around one of the Hyuuga clan's many chunin with a fiery stare.

"Hanabi-sama I..." The young chunin stumbled over his words under the girl's growing glare.

"You're dismissed Tokuma. I simply have good news to tell my father, and no, it cannot wait."

Tokuma shifted uncomfortably on his feet, "But..."

"But what Tokuma?" the girl practically growled.

The young chunin abruptly shook his head and quickly departed the girl's presence leaving her no more than ten paces from her father's bedroom door.

It was the following ten paces that she walked alone that allowed her question weigh heavily on her mind. The night was dark and cold, the only light on the compound was illuminated by the few torches that bled through from the center courtyard.

Hanabi knew that she would be lying if she said she weren't apprehensive about her inevitable encounter with her father. She was in the man's presence every day, and still sometimes the ways he looked upon her set her with unease. They had barely spoken since the events of the invasion. She had often wondered what her father would think of her own triumphs in the invasion, or her decisions to partake in it in the first place.

What would he think of Naruto? It was hard for her to imagine her father's opinion when she herself did not have a clear one. All that she knew was that the blonde had asked for her help, and she didn't hesitate to accept. This time there was no persuasion from her sister required. This time it was all her.

Hanabi slid open the screens in a single movement revealing a rather barren room. There was nothing in it that wouldn't have already been a requirement for a prisoner. Yet at the same time there was nothing more aside from a single candle providing minimal illumination to the Hyuuga Head's form.

'His living space is so frugal. Yet it only serves to hide the fact that he could probably fund a mercenary army with the clan's fortune.' Hanabi thought as she found herself gazing at the candle, the only thing of note in the entire room.

Hyuuga Hiashi sat cross legged on the sleek dark wooden floor in the center of the room. He was a tall but lean man. His unmarked forehead was the first thing to note of the man. The next were his white eyes that had the faintest tint of violet, a trait that was shared with her sister. He was dressed in traditional robes, yet didn't showcase the slightest hint of discomfort.

"Father." Hanabi addressed before bowing to the Clan Head.

She knew that trying to force a smile under the man's intense scrutiny was doomed for failure, and for that reason she merely did her best to hide her discomfort under his watch.

"Hanabi." Hiashi returned. "Or should I call you demon slayer? That is what others around our compound have taken to whispering behind my back."

Hanabi cringed at the title. As far as they went, it certainly wasn't a bad title. Certainly better than the Copy Ninja, but anything that displeased her father wasn't something that made her swelling with pride. "Hanabi is fine father."

The Hyuuga Head scoffed, "If only you knew the irony child. Sit." the man commanded gesturing in front of him.

Hanabi fell to the floor mirroring her father as the man examined her.

"You have taken to the Uzumaki boy just like your sister."

"Father!"

The man raised his hand to stop her.

"Your sister's infatuation with that boy was going to set her on a path to one day charge into battle to save him at the expense of her own life. I never imagined you would both be one in the same."

"It is not like that Father!" Hanabi proclaimed passionately, "Father, Hinata asked me to look after him. I fought alongside him the entire invasion. He protected me just as much as I did him. He saved my life during our battle with Gaara."

"A battle you should never have been apart of. I will see to your sister's punishment. She's naive. You however should have known better. You both were this family's legacy. If something had happened to either of you, that would have been lost."

"What did you mean were father?" Hanabi questioned, the pit of her stomach a storm of emotions. 'Have they chosen a true heir? Have I been selected as next in line? Have they finally acknowledge my skill?'

"Given the recent events in the invasion I have taken the time to speak with the Clan Elders. They have suggested that it has been long overdue for an heir to be chosen."

"So it's between me and Hinata? Is it going to be a trial by combat?" Hanabi began to poke around silently hoping it was the later so her victory was practically assured.

"The Elders have decided there will be no trial Hanabi." Hiashi explained. "You're the youngest."

Hanabi felt her chest grew tight as a lump formed in her throat. "But... but I'm more skilled. I have studied. I know more about the clan's politics." Hanabi continued to list off with a strain in her voice.

"And yet you are the youngest."

"So is this how it will be then? I am just to be branded like some common slave!" Hanabi yelled, her fierce temper flaring as she leapt to her feet with her fists clenched in anger. "All when I have done everything for the clan! For you!"

Hiashi lightly tightened his jaw as he rose to look down upon his daughter. "And there it is." he said as he looked upon the fiery eyed girl, "It wasn't just your mother's looks you adopted. You have her fiery blood and fierce temper. Will you attempt to make a mockery of me as you have done your sister in sparring? Boasting of your superiority among children in the academy?"

"If it would make you see the right choice!" Hanabi fired back.

Hiashi scoffed, "Not even out of the academy and already you're so entitled. I am only partially responsible for choice of successor. Had you not run off into battle like some bloodthirsty rookie. Had your sister not embarrassed us with her display in the exams. Perhaps this decision wouldn't have to be made so readily. Yet here we stand."

"In mutual disgust with one another." Hanabi spat.

"You don't need to love me Hanabi, but you will respect me."

"As this choice has shown me respect?"

"As this choice has demanded it. Now my daughter you will rid yourself of these childish notions that the position of Clan Head was ever yours to begin with. It belongs to me, and me alone. Only if you were to prove you were worthy would you have been chosen as my rightful heir. Do you think less of me for the choice I am forced to make here and now?"

Hanabi stared back defiantly, her eyes saying far more than her voice ever could.

"I would expect no less from a girl your age. Although you will learn the truth as you grow older. Th-"

"Do you not care about me? My future?" try as she might the young Hyuuga had tears beginning to well in the corners of her eyes.

"There was a time where I had people I cared for deeply Hanabi. However in time you will learn that those attachments are only good for one thing."

"And what's that?"

"Getting them killed."

Hanabi's lips nearly disappeared as they formed into a thin line. "So this is it. This is your plan?"

The Hyuuga Head leveled a stare at his daughter's defiant eyes.

"I came to tell you that I have officially been promoted to a genin of Konoha for my service in the invasion. I wanted to ask for your permission to take my first mission. Although now, I don't care. I'm not staying, and you can't make me."

Hiashi gently rolled up the sleeves of his evening robes, "Can't I?"

XXXXXX

The purple haired girl stared at the beaten and ragged door that had seen better days. The green wood had long since chipped and splintered away. The door handle that probably once gleamed in the light had signs of rust beginning to form at it's edges. Even the hallway outside of the apartment was in need of it's own cleaning as a couple empty soda cans and bags of chips could be seen discarded in front of other resident's doors.

"Come on." Ami whispered to herself. "It's alright, he picked you for a reason. It's not like you played ding dong ditch on his house all throughout the academy." Ami muttered to herself before pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Just do it Ami." She whispered to herself.

She quickly knocked several times in quick succession. Although it wasn't out of courage.

'He's not home I bet. He's probably already at the gate or something. I'll jus-'

The door's locks began to unfasten on the other side just as the girl plotted her retreat. The door swung open gently revealing the blonde that part of her dreaded seeing.

"I was wondering when you were going to knock." Naruto said quietly as he shifted on his feet beckoning the girl inside.

"You knew it was me!" Ami exclaimed quickly in embarrassment.

"I heard someone pacing. I don't have neighbors." Naruto informed as Ami entered the threshold.

Ami looked puzzled at that, "You don't?" She asked curiously as she stepped further into the room only for her eyes to widen in surprise. "Why is this place so tall?"

The walls were grey and looked like large slabs of concrete. The floors were a pale grey wood not unlike the walls that surrounded them. However it was the the distant ceiling that was the most notable feature in the apartment. It even allowed for a short staircase to protrude from the wall with a small desk and workbench to preside above the bed.

"The people above me moved as well. They thought it would be funny to leave the water on during their last day of moving. Eventually one day I came home to a sea of water submerging my floor that would have done enough water damage to make both the upstairs and my apartment unrentable."

"But the floors look fine?" Ami questioned.

"I told the Hokage and he sent over a shinobi of his that is also a skilled woodworker. I didn't get to see him work, but he had the repairs done within a day." Naruto reported looking over the smooth floorboards.

"That sounds impressive." Ami noted.

Naruto shrugged, "I never planned on moving. The rent here was cheap when I was in the academy. However unlike other places, the rent here has simply dropped with time. Eventually I bought this place."

"Wait you own t-"

"I don't think you came here to interrupt my packing to talk about my apartment Ami."

The girl with asymmetrical hair flushed under the scrutiny. "You're right. I came here to ask you why you chose me."

Naruto looked over the purple haired girl as his lips formed into a thin line. "What makes you think that I chose you?"

Ami did a double take with her hair whipping around as she faced the blonde, "What do you mean? This is your mission. You had to have chosen me. Otherwise, why the promotion?"

"Perhaps the Hokage saw more potential in you than simply being a checker in a grocery store?"

Ami scoffed, "I doubt the Hokage even knows my name Naruto. Tell me, and be honest, why did you choose me? You chose me over your teammate Sasuke."

Naruto shrugged his shoulders as he gestured to the staircase for the girl to have a seat, "I did." he concede as he continued gathering his last couple items in the room. "Although it was never much of a choice, more of an obligation."

Ami reluctantly sat down as her mind whirled trying to find the answers to her question. "What do you mean it was an obligation? You don't owe me anything Naruto. You never have, particularly ever since we were kids."

"You're right." Naruto admitted causing the purple haired girl's gaze to meet the blonde's. "I don't owe you a thing. Although something happened during the invasion, but I had no time to deal with it at that time." Naruto began as Ami paid close attention. "Did you know that shinobi from the Land of Snow killed Ino?"

Ami nodded.

"And did you know the shinobi in the sky that was attacking you was also from the Land of Snow?"

Ami shook her head.

"And do you know that the Shadow Clone technique transfers all memories the clone acquires to the shinobi upon dispersion?"

Ami paused as her eyes widened at that thought as she opened her mouth to speak.

"I was equally surprised." Naruto cut in, "But not as surprised as I was when she addressed you. Not as Ami Yoku, the orphan I grew up with, but as Asami Kakuyoku, the younger sister of a Snow Shinobi."

Ami looked on stunned as she shook her head in disbelief, "What are you talking about? I've lived in Konoha my entire life!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow at that, "Not your entire life Ami. I remember when you first arrived at the orphanage."

Ami held her hand to her face as she tried to process what the blonde had told her, "But I don't understand. Even if I'm from a home I can't remember, how does that help us now. How does that help us in Wave Country?"

Naruto extended his hand to the stunned girl, "You and I aren't staying in Wave Country. We're finding your home, and you're going to help me. Otherwise, I can just let the Hokage know who you really are."

Ami stared at the offered hand with a storm of emotions running through her.

XXXXXX

"You're the first one here?" Shikamaru called out.

Sakura was seated on the ground with her back to the gate and her bag between her legs. Around her shoulders was a gray cloak that was wrapped tightly around her. Her head perked up immediately at Shikamaru's call.

"Oh hey!" Sakura replied quickly rubbing one of her eyes.

"Were you asleep?" Shikamaru asked as he slung his pack to the ground at his feet. "How long have you been here?"

Sakura looked sheepish after giving a yawn, "About an hour."

"An hour?" Shikamaru repeated in surprise.

"Yeah. Naruto was always the first to arrive for our meetings in the morning, I didn't want to be late here."

"Trying to make a good impression?" Shikamaru asked with a smirk.

Sakura's lightly clipped Shikamaru with her foot, "Shut up." the pink haired girl said giving her eyes a roll. "It's just Naruto grew so fast. Now here he is leading me. We all used to think we were better than him."

"I didn't." Shikamaru retorted.

"Well you were lazy."

"I still am lazy."

"Regardless, you surprised everyone in the exams. Thinking that many steps ahead. You may have been outmatched, but were flawless with what you had."

"If you say so Sakura. I feel a loss is a loss."

"At least you got to the exams at all. When it comes to this team, both you and Hanabi were obvious choices. But I'm here above the rest of our class, including Sasuke."

"Sasuke's still injured."

Sakura scoffed, "Sasuke could probably beat me blind, let alone with a broken arm."

"Don't sell yourself short Sakura. Besides, you're the only good company I have here besides Naruto." Shikamaru admitted as he plopped down beside the pink haired girl.

"Oh come on. Ami may have bullied me when we were kids, but that's just it, we were kids, not shinobi. Things will be different now."

"You really believe that?" Shikamaru drawled.

Sakura frowned.

"And besides, Ami can be a ray of sunshine now. However Hanabi is nearly as troublesome as they come."

Sakura elbowed the lazy genin, "Come on, she can't be that bad."

"Imagine Ino as an actual princess, the cockiness of Kiba, and the level of skill of either Naruto or Sasuke. Fuse that together with a touch of cocky condescension and you have Hyuuga Hanabi in a nutshell." Shikamaru reported.

Sakura however had her mouth agape at the assessment, "Shikamaru! Come on she can't be that bad."

"No, she's w-"

"Hey, here comes Naruto. I think he's with Ami." Sakura said sitting up straighter only to stand as she caught sight of the other party.

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at the approaching duo. It was a strange sight seeing Naruto out of the orange jumpsuit he had taken to wearing for the past several years and instead donning the black blue trimmed outfit.

Ami's clothes however appeared rather casual for a shinobi. Her outfit consisted of a form fitting black top that was secured with a small section of black bandages around her abdomen. She wore a maroon long sleeved sweater presently unzipped nearly to the bottom. Her black fingerless gloves matched her form fitting shorts, shinobi sandals, and calf high socks. Over her shorts she had a small purple apron clinging to the belt around her waist. Although one of her most notable features was the gleaming 'X' shape that rested on the small of her back.

"Boomerangs?" Shikamaru asked with a raised eyebrow as the duo approached.

Ami briefly smiled as she gave a silent nod as Naruto took point.

"Where's Hanabi? I figured she would be here by now." Naruto assessed as he looked around for the young Hyuuga.

Sakura barely fought down a yawn covering it with her hand, "She hasn't shown up yet."

"Were you sleeping Sakura?" Ami wondered causing the pink haired girl to flush.

"Just a bit, I was here for awhile before you all showed up."

Naruto grinned lightly at the pink haired girl, "So you find me being a captain that boring already Sakura? Bet you wouldn't have been sleeping if Sasuke was here."

Sakura immediately stiffened up her fists clenching before she lightly punched the blonde in the shoulder, "Shut up Naruto!"

Naruto hastily backed away from the second blow chuckling, "Hey now, that's assaulting a superior officer! I have witnesses!"

Shikamaru snorted, "I'm not seeing a thing."

"Good!"

"Shikamaru!"

"Get back here Naruto!"

Shikamaru and Ami found themselves standing off to the side as Naruto continued to avoid his irritated pink haired teammate. "They haven't changed from the academy much have they?"

Shikamaru shrugged, "I think Sakura might like Naruto a bit more than back then."

Ami nodded in approval, "And Naruto?"

"Before the invasion, I would have told you he hadn't changed a bit."

Ami tilted her head in confusion, "And now what would you say?"

"I'm not sure yet." Shikamaru mumbled as he watched the blonde shinobi fluidly dodge the pink haired girl's increasingly violent blows with ease. Through the dark the duo were able to see the approaching Hyuuga in the distance.

"You know, for what it's worth, I'm sorry about what happened to Ino." Ami stated quietly, knowing full and well that the time since the invasion hadn't been easy on the rookies.

"It's not your fault. You weren't there. You didn't kill Ino, Snow shinobi did." the Nara stated cooly.

"Don't tell me you were sleeping too Hanabi? You look like someone beat you over the head with your alarm clock to wake you up." Naruto remarked with a grin as his chase with Sakura came to an immediate halt upon her arrival.

"Shut up you idiot! I'm not in the mood." Hanabi snapped back with a fiery temper. The girl had certainly seen better days. Her outfit had dirt stains all over her jacket along with her legs being littered with scratches and light bruising that you could barely make out in the darkness.

Naruto snorted, "Alright firecracker." the blonde quipped as he beckoned the team inward.

"Hanabi, where are your things?" Sakura asked quickly as the both Ami and Shikamaru closed in.

"Sealing scroll." Hanabi replied stiffly without hesitation that caused the pink haired girl to promptly drop the subject.

"Alright, here's the plan. We're going to be running most of the night so that we can hopefully reach the next town within a day on the way to Wave Country rather than a couple days. My clone will take point a hundred yards forward on the formation followed by Hanabi who will be overwatch. Then in order we will have Shikamaru, followed by both Ami and Sakura, then I will be bringing up the rear."

"Really? You're going to bring up the rear." Shikamaru deadpanned as he gave Naruto an amused look.

Naruto followed the lazy Nara's train of thought quickly with a chuckle, "Well someone has to. Besides, I'm taking both the front and the back if it makes you feel better Shikamaru."

It didn't take long for Sakura to cross her arms over her chest unamused, "If you boys think you're being subtle, you're not. And you're not funny Naruto." she shot a look at Ami, "Right Ami?"

Ami raised her hands up in defense, "Hey don't look at me. I am just thankful for the second chance."

Naruto coughed into his hand, "Alright seriously. All fun aside, this is the formation and the order. When I give one next time you all follow it, no complaints." The blonde finished sternly.

"Alright, we got it. Are we going to leave tonight blondie? Or should we start making camp." Hanabi asked with her hands on her hips.

Naruto waved his hand dismissively, "Yeah yeah." he muttered as a clone was quickly fashioned and took off ahead. "By your leave princess. Just watch out for puddles."

Hanabi smirked as the veins beside her eyes strained before she took off at the head of the pack.

Shikamaru followed behind promptly. Ami didn't hesitate to follow.

Sakura was left giving Naruto an amused smile, "Puddles, really?"

Naruto shrugged, "I'm not falling for that again."

Sakura shook her head and took off to catch up with Ami.

Naruto gave one last look behind him to the village he loved idly wondering if it would still look the same when he came back. The invasion taught him that things could change in an instant.

XXXXXX

"Alright, we'll rest here!" Naruto's clone called out as it touched down on the forest floor. Immediately the shinobi on the team followed suit, but looking significantly more winded.

Hanabi had sweat marring her brow causing her silky Hyuuga hair to stick to her in a rather undignified fashion. She promptly deactivated her Byakugan as she went on to catch her breath.

Shikamaru didn't look much better as he quickly dropped himself down at the base of a tree before chugging the water canteen the moment it reached his lips.

Although while the former shinobi were able to function, the girls that followed were operating on sheer force of will.

Sakura was breathing heavy as she fell to her knees upon arrival with her face flush with color.

Ami had only taken to standing to support herself for what followed.

Naruto landed behind the purple haired girl promptly snatching her hair into his grip as the girl emptied to contents of her stomach repeatedly onto the forest floor.

"Naruto! How are you barely even breaking a sweat?" Shikamaru breathed out heavily as he discarded his canteen at his side.

"I had to ran a lot when I was younger. Anyways everyone, go to the bathroom, get some rest. If we keep up with pace we may be able to actually get something to eat in the nearest town before turning in."

Ami wiped her mouth in disgust as she forced herself to stand up straight, "How long are we staying?"

"An hour maybe. Two at the most. And I have lunch for everyone if you're interested."

"Ramen cups don't count as lunch Naruto." Sakura was quick to reply in her exhausted state.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't share my ramen." Naruto quipped back as he set his bag down next to the bundle of sticks his clone had quickly grabbed together. "So who knows a fire jutsu?"

The young shinobi gathered around briefly exchanged looks with one another as if to silently answer the question in a resounding no.

Immediately from the treeline a small fireball launched forth expertly setting the sticks ablaze in a single go. The act alone set the genin on the defensive as they quickly armed themselves with their weapon of choice.

Although Naruto continued to dig through his bag pulling out a single pot, "Sasuke! You're late." The blonde commented in mock cheer.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura quietly voiced in surprise as she lowered her guard looking around for her other teammate.

The Uchiha in question jumped from the treeline and stood before the genin. On his formerly injured arm was an impressive cross between a brace and a gauntlet that both supported his arm and protected it. "Evidently you wouldn't have even had food without me Dobe."

As if waiting on queue the blonde flicked a pack of matches out beside the pot, "Would have managed just fine. Although you could have just kept up, saved me some digging."

Sasuke scoffed, "Like you knew I was coming?"

"I knew you wouldn't be able to stay home knowing I picked others over you."

Sasuke's lip tugged into the smallest smirk, "You're right."

"Then in that case, the team is now all here. So here's the plan for what follows."

XXXXXXX

Anyways now I don't know when the next chapters will be coming out. However this is essentially what I will call the end of an arc or a "Season" with this story. I hope you all have enjoyed the read.

I really wanted you guys to get the opportunity to see the growth of Naruto's character as he struggles with morality. Something that I feel is lacking in most fanfiction. Now I am very new to it, and this was largely a test for me as well. So some areas of the story probably felt a bit hamfisted in that regard.

However I wanted to show you a Naruto that wants to follow the law and takes abuse in order to abide by the law. Then you see him grow to a character tired of abiding by the law and wanting to take the law into his own hands. You see a young man that wanted to live in a shinobi world without having to kill anyone, then he is continually put into situations where he has to make a choice until he is forced to act.

I wanted the characters that you meet to feel like they are part of a larger world, rather than just reading other characters that feel like their own goals take a backseat to the protagonist's. Each character I think I did a pretty good job of showcasing their own emotions and motivations, even minor characters that you really only see for a chapter or two.

Now as for what is to come? I'll lay out some bullet points. Not really spoilers if you read the most recent chapter. But I'll give you some places I hope for this next arc of 10 chapters to hit.

The Introduction of Sannin characters

Wave Country: And what is going on in the absence of Team 7

Snow Country, and all that it will entail with this given story. Hopefully resolving it's entire arc while I am there.

While also touching on the key character storylines that I want to have unfold

Naruto's journey for revenge, and the cost it may bring him.

Additionally what exactly happened to Naruto when he joined the Hokage in battle.

Hanabi's situation with her clan, and what she sees in her future.

Shikamaru finding out what role he is going to fill following Naruto down this dark path.

Sakura trying to find out how to be useful to those around her, and her goals of being strong enough to deserve her place

Ami's issues with her family and the apparently dark past she has had.

And then finally Sasuke who is struggling with the issues we have always known him to have. But hopefully making him do so in a meaningful way.

XXXXXX

Anyways I am still working 12 hours a day, often 6 days a week. I honestly rarely write anymore. However I would love to be able to showcase a second arc for you and what is to come.