Chapter 23: Walking the Road

"I'm gonna miss you!" Warm arms and a loving energy enveloped me. The scent of jasmine and cherries filled my nostrils shaking me to my core. I let my chin fall and forehead fall into a comfortable shoulder taking it all in. This never got old no matter how much I'd pray for it to be. The soothing aura emitting from this angel pushed back any man's natural "excitement" out of me.

I rose my arms up and took the person holding me tight to my body.

For the last couple months one thing has always been a constant. Even from the first days I arrived in this land she was there, nearby; from the moment we met until now. It's interesting now that I think of it. Almost every single day we've been together, face to face, or at least talked to one another without falter. It became a habit almost and one that assisted with keeping up my sanity here in the village. My actions were based around her protection and elevating her life which is meshed with mine. But now that I'm leaving the village, I'll be without her and her presence. I'll be placing her life, the life of my charge, in the hands of others. I'm putting her life in the hands of chance. I've tried to come up with way to get her to come, but I messed up with the readjustment process for her children. She needed to be safe at home or else they get… unsettled. Shows just how much more work I need to place into my re-education processes. I placed way too much emphasis on the "Protection" and "Love" aspect in the home. I didn't expect them to take it too literally. I'll have to adjust that during my mission.

This left me with quite the pickle. While I can trust a few individuals with her life there's few I can trust with her livelihood. That's less than a handful in this entire village. I spent time bribing people and placing an B rank mission to safeguard her during the day for a while. The cost of this mission has been killing me, but necessary for the times I can't be there. Something had to watch her and even more so during her night walks through the town. A beautiful young woman with expensive clothes walking "alone" around the village is just a walking meal ticket for anyone to snatch and nights are five times extra. Thankfully Anko soon came into my life with very expensive habits in the way of vices. I simply had to acquire a couple bars, dango stands, and clubs she'd frequent with friends for her to virtually spend all that money I've paid for the mission to cycle back to me.

I've done my best to build up every safety I could imagine in case of any mishap to no avail. All of it to ensure she light never goes out, but she's taken steps on her own to contradict my work. She's making her own actions and moves in this game of ours, enough to get me out of the picture. I can admit to myself that I'm eager to see where it might take her. But that's in the future almost half a year from now.

I tip toed up to her ear and said, "I'll miss you more." I meant it. Yuuki, my angel, the mistress of Kagehikiro Inn, and Princess of Fire has been a constant inspiration and source of warmth for me. It's a bit disappointing to let go of.

"Huph." I heard from the princess then felt something on my cheek. It was wet and drew me for a blank. I leaned back and saw my princess crying. She snort and rubbed her eyes the best she could, ruining her make up. I pulled my handkerchief out from my pocket and quickly rubbed her eyes. I stained the red cloth with the black from her eyeliner and orange from her blush. Like always her make up is perfect, compliments of Hikari.

"What's wrong Angel?" I asked even though I know why she's sad, full of self-loathing, and guilt. Ultimately, she's not the cause for my exile, but she did play a part into it. I don't blame her, and she's doing me a favor in a way. The princess though didn't answer me. Her snorting and sobbing broke any form of speech she tried to make. I rose my hand up and placed it on her shoulder and smiled at her. "Princess." I gave her a soft shake to get her attention. The princess struggled to look down to my level. "Wait for your dragon to fly back, because I'll always be back." I placed my hand over her chest, accurately her heart. "And we'll always be connected."

"Naruto!" She took me up in another hug. She was at a total loss of words and could only convey her feelings through action. I pat her on the back to comfort her the best I could.

"Princess." Hikari who was watching us from Yuuki's side walked up to us and placed her hand comfortably on the princess' shoulder. "Naruto-sama has to leave." Instead of letting me go Yuuki tightened her grip around me. I smiled and pat her head. It took a minute, but she released me. Well, more like the combined efforts of Hikari and I were needed to pry her off me. It made me wonder if this was how she acted back in the capital after the Arrangement games. It took quite a bit of my strength to pry her off. How is she so damn strong?

Once Yuuki replaced her smother pet, being me, with Hikari I could walk up to Shion. Shion bowed to me and said, "Be careful not to lose yourself." It was such a Shion response but one I needed to hear. Once free it's natural to take advantage of it thus losing sight of your goal. I took her words seriously like I always do. Once I bowed to her we both came up in unison. "I'll take care of Yuuki-chan as well," she said crushing the question before it could leave my lips. "And if the other Empty like us wakes up I'll see to her."

"This is why you're paid the most Shion. Thank you." I reached into my vest and pulled out a box for her to take. "I've filled this with enough clonai to last a month. If something happens throw one down to the ground." Shion didn't question how I took a one foot long, wide, and high bow out from my vest. Normally it would be impossible if not for my precious seals. I'm learning one to hide features one human body now, but it'll take time for me to figure it out fully. I can use it to change my hair without chakra to hold it. It'd be nice to have in the ninja pouch in case of emergencies.

"Yes Naruto-sama." Shion bowed once more. She stood before me but appeared hesitant for a moment. After a counted 34 seconds she rose her arms up and wrapped them around my neck and edged closer to me. I stepped the rest of the way with my arms wrapped around her waist seeing that she's still taller than me but a fair margin. She placed her hand on the back on my head and tightened her hold on me. Her soul felt so calm and resolute right now to the point that I felt I could fall asleep listening to its symphony. I rested my forehead on her bosom and took in the scent of jasmine. She said no words; they're not necessary between us. I could feel it, maybe as much she can. We've so much work ahead of us during my exile, but confident we can cut our way through.

I dropped my arms at the same time she did. Our eyes met and true understanding was exchanged between us. I'll miss Shion the most. She's carry on in my place until I return.

I nodded to her and passed her over for Nanami. The woman smiled at me and put her arms out for a hug. Admittedly I hesitated a bit but relented. Before I could react her arm shot around my body and she cupped my chin. A dangerous smirk appeared on her lips and equally predatory glare in her eyes. "Come back in one piece my little demon." She leaned in until her breath tickled my ear. "I'll be waiting to taste you again." I winced once I felt a pain on my ear. Suddenly something left my lips. I think it was a groan from pain. Despite her giggling and perverse flush of her cheeks I'm going to believe that groan was because of the bite. Not at all pleasured from it. I don't have that fetish… I hope.

"Y-yeah." Nanami released me then winked with a playful smile on her lips.

I coughed away the sinking feeling in my stomach. I didn't my best to ignore and heated arrows begin shot at the back of my neck from my angel as well. I know she doesn't like Nanami and her active approach when pertaining to me. I just hope they don't clash while I'm gone. I turned towards my men from Takashi and his close group and even Jin with a nod.

"See you later boss," Takashi, an average looking man who changed his exaggerated hairstyle to something less excessive bowed his head to me. I reached out to shake his hand which he took with a smile.

"Make sure Fuma doesn't get too far in our venture," I whispered.

"I gotta ya boss." He gave me a thumbs up.

"Good." I let his hand go and faced Jin. He's come a long way from an asshole women beater and drug fiend that preyed on the weak and feeble. He's now our guard whom many of my men rally to. His nature charisma has been a wealthy asset when dealing with the enemy families.

Jin smirked at me and slapped my shoulder roughly. His died blonde hair with a red stripe running through the center glimmered in the sun light. "No one gets into the Home boss. I promise."

"I'm relying on you all. Protect the Mistresses and our ventures not only for me but for all of us." I faced all my men here to see me off. "I'm proud to have you all under my employ and every ryo we earn. I want us all to be successful and our families happy for family is all that matters once everything else is lost. We are brothers and sisters!" I pulled up on my right arm to show them my brand. "We all bare a brand and symbol of this." I rose my fist up and the rest of my men followed. I noticed Shion do the same though it was awkward with how stoic her face is.

"Together we own this town and together the future is ours!" Once the cheers and roars from my gang started, I knew my little speech was a success. I read that such speeches help ensure loyalty and increase moral in your herds. Never really believed in it myself, but I know its effectiveness can't be disregarded.

With that done I turned my back with my tome case on my hip, swords on my back and hip, crossbow on my lower back, and scrolls on the lops of my vest and belt. I was dressed and ready to travel all sealed up with an arsenal of tools complements of TenTen. I made sure to visit her yesterday after consulting Tsume and the Exotics. I have to leave everything to my men and fine ladies with only my support coming from afar. I'm sure it'll be fine just as long as that Ohara woman doesn't try anything warranting execution. That'll quite the day for me.

I turned back and waved back on last time to my Inn. The Inn that's nearing it's completion. Just another month or two and it'll be finished. I've placed so much time, money, and hope into this project I'm a bit anxious about leaving it unfinished. I know it's in good hands but the fear is still there. I waved to my residents of it as well from everyone that I've gathered to live, work, and succeed right behind me. Some I'm going to worry about, all for different reasons, and others I know have their avenues covered. It'll take time to get used to being on the road again. But before I go I need to seal the deal.

"So long. Saturnine Skies and Cold Winds!" I shouted our calling card phrase. I told my men to say it every time they kill someone on the list or seal a deal. Even Yuuki and Shion used it at times for business. Its help spread our influence further.

"Saturnine Skies and Cold Winds!" My men cheered with their brands for off Inn showing.

"Goodbye Naruto!" Yuuki waved back.

"Come back safe," Shion waved slowly unlike Yuuki's eccentric.

"Miss you already," Nanami grinned at me.

I waved one last time before turning my back and leaving.

"Naruto!"

I sensed someone approaching in a run. I turned around. Before I could react the princess was diving at me with her arms out. I couldn't dodge in time not because I wasn't fast enough but because that look in her eyes froze me in place. Her soft body collided with my hardened one. Months of training, torture, and trial has shaped me. I'm not the only one that's grown in this time though. Yuuki – a shy, timid, and purposeless little girl; she's changed in many ways. Her eyes told me a story of the weight on her shoulders and coming trials, the steps, she'll take to find who she is. Her aura is as serene and beautiful as she is. Despite her eyes being red and puffy, even though it's embarrassing and unladylike, and factoring in her desire to keep up with us she threw herself at me. Her arms wrapped securely around my neck, her lips smashed against my own, and my feet left the dirt. I was too stunned to even regain my balance.

I hit the stone below at some point but not sure when. All I know is that my arms wrapped around her waist that's grown a bit. Her butt is bigger as well but retained a skinny waist with a definite hourglass figure. I thought back to all the women I've encountered after my awakening and Yuuki isn't the most beautiful, but she's the most notable. I felt a small measure of guilt in my body and soul once I felt the raw emotion she poured into this epic embrace. Emotions that I as her dragon and protector cannot reciprocate. A part of me wants to but that's a Naruto part of me that desires companionship.

I did enjoy this though and held the princess has hard and possessive as she'd desired. Once the kiss ended I was left laying down in the stone unsure if how to feel or even react. My cheeks were moist from tears that still trailed down from her cheeks. "N-Naruto… I…" her voice cracked unable to say it. The regret and guilt didn't just stem from me. "I'm so…"

"I'm sorry," I said in her stead for both our sakes. I placed my fingers on her lips the moment she desired to speak. I rarely say sorry and mean it. In this regard I'm sorry for where our lives have led us. Yuuki looked down into my blue and me into her red. Her hands bordered my face and she leaned down. I thought she was going in for another kiss but to my surprise she kissed my forehead instead.

"W-what the…" I caught myself stuttering. My cheeks flamed up at the sudden gesture. A kiss on the lips means nothing to me most days. My first kiss was forced, my second the best, and the ones after that held semblance to the giver and not me, the receiver. Even the kiss a moment a go meant as much as Yuuki wanted it to be. A kiss on my forehead brought forth memories better left contained. I'm not sure why she did this but for once I was utterly speechless.

"Come back to me Naruto. I can't do this without you." Yuuki spoke to me in a manner I couldn't describe. It was like I was the anchor keeping her from drifting away. I can't remember a time anyone has ever said those words to me. They can't do this without me. They need me. I'm… needed for more than what I can give. That's…

I drew a blank. I couldn't come up with a response for that. Seeing that I reached a dead end my brain rerouted to a different avenue. I took notice of the crowd before us growing increasingly aware of the looks and whispers. Suddenly a silly realization came to mind. One I couldn't hold back from saying.

"You know something," I began feeling like an idiot already. "This is the first time your diving tackle hug actually swept me off my feet." It sounds much worse when it left my lips and I felt five times as silly. Yuuki blinked now unsure if how to respond herself. Suddenly her hand rose and swat me across the face. It didn't hurt or anything but still a shocker. Yuuki wasn't angry though. It shown in the smile on her lips.

"You're still so silly Naruto." She giggled and I chuckled. That's the Naruto part of me rearing it's head to speak his mind. I can't help it when I blank out.

"Princess!" Mama Hikari came running at us once she got over her shock. How else can you explain why it took so long for her to respond like a frantic maternal figure protecting her child's chastity. She lightly took Yuuki by the shoulder and pulled her up forcing her to straddle my lap instead. "This is unbecoming of a lady Princess! Especially in public!" Hikari scolded as she assisted a now tomato red princess off my lap. To make matters worse was our workers and gang all cheering and whistling. The comments were the best part.

"Hell yeah boss get in that!"

'I'm gonna kill whoever said that.' I thought with the ideas already formulating on how to exact my vengeance. I stood to my feet and dusted myself off. I gave Yuuki a thumbs up. Her grin was legendary with how wide it was in response. If I don't care about their bull she won't either. Now that I've recovered from whatever that was, I could finally give a response. I reached into my shirt and pull out the necklace that she gave me. After a ton of research, I discovered just what this artifact was hidden in the most unlikely place possible. I pulled it out from my neck and walked up to the princess.

"I'll come back for this." I rose it up, getting on my toes, to place this amulet over her head.

"But Naruto this is…"

I rested it on her neck and shook my head to her. "It's for good luck." Luck she'll need in her steps towards her true self. To be the Boss of my gang and it's Ventures is a Battle road I've paved with blood, sweat, and shattered lives. She willingly set me up to take over this life I've built before the intended time. I'm actually a bit proud of her initiative with the words of Hikari from the past twirling around my head. I can't shelter the princess like her father did. Her desire to leave with me was the first time she wanted something enough to act and this is the second time but towards me who is her obstacle. I've held her back out of fear and paid for new opportunity outside the village to expand. While I've lost a bit of my businesses, had to relinquish a couple contracts, and lose a good bit of funds over the past couple days, I'm curious about the future for my little Phoenix.

The necklace shimmered once it rested around her neck like I knew it would. I've noticed this artifact from the beginning of the Ninja world would resonate with her presence. I can see the aura flowing into it's gems unconsciously. It's related to her kekkei genkai somehow same with her bloodline. It may respond to me with some effort but it's natural with her. I need to give her as much of an edge as I can and this necklace has aided me with my elemental Chakra manipulation. This artifact, the Sekiaoshibaru, has resonated with my body's energies and enriched by everything poured into it as my filter. It's made most of my elemental charka manipulation possible. A part of me rests within it as well. With this off my neck already I feel a bit emptier but she'll need this more so than myself.

I placed my hand on the amulet and prayed silently that it would protect her like it has me. "Keep this safe for me Angel. I'll be expecting back once I return to you. Okay?" Yuuki rose her hand and placed it over my own. Her eyes filled with determination for I'm placing my faith in her. She believes that and I won't change her determination. I let my hand fall and turned to walk away finally. Yuuki didn't say anything and opt to wave me goodbye. I did the same with the cheering and roars of the Inn taking me off.

I couldn't wipe the smile off my lips. These feelings I'm experiencing are sort of strange. To feel pride in something and someone other than myself. It's so strange but it's there. I'm proud of what we built, who we've gained as confidants, and of the Steps they'll take towards their destiny. Even I have many more to make before the end. To have people that'll miss me once I'm gone as well is different. I'm not sure if it's in a good or bad way. Still, I'm about to begin my vacation away from it all. Maybe I'll meet up with Deidera while I out there. I know he's in Iwa as of today and to move down South after a week. Maybe he can meet me in Wave or move down into Mist to start support there. I guess I'll see once I hit the road.

"Leaving are we Naruto?" I heard above from a female voice full of amusement.

"Acting like you're not coming too Kaguya?" I looked up the roof of a house half to the rock to meet up with my time. The big cat herself looked down at me faintly amused for some reason.

"Of course not. Just wondering if you're taking that mutt as well," Kaguya narrowed her eyes at me. I guess she's taken a bit of offence that I've spent more time with Mira lately than her. Cats, I swear they get jealous so easily.

"Mira is a good pup Kaguya. And a wolf-dog could always come in handy." I said in the pup's defense. I faced the tiger with my arms crossed over my chest. "Why are you je…"

"Finish that question and I'll bite your throat out," the proud cat said in a teasingly tone if a bit playful though I'm unsure if she's serious or not. I frowned up to my partner and sighed with a shrug. I walked down the road a bit before gaining a smirk.

"And yes, Mira is joining me."

"Fool," she sighed at me. I knew she'd object to bringing another animal with me, but I think that's how it should work. One side you have a tracker and attack canine and the other you've a scout and ambusher feline. If you ask me it could work out perfect as long as Mira doesn't get angry with Kaguya and the big cat doesn't act like a brat.

SMASH

And just like that a weight like a thousand bricks fell straight on my back and pinned me down to the ground. "AHH!" I roared from the shock of impact. "Kaguya!" I shouted to the heavy cat.

"Remember Naruto." The cat leaned in, her sing song tone making me shiver as much as her ice cold breath. I could hear the muffled growl in her throat with her claw poking the back of my neck right at my spine. "You're my chosen Bond Mate and Watcher. Mine, and mine alone. Don't forget that," she warned still with a low and sly tone. Somehow it was more menacing any form of aggressive behavior ever aimed at me.

"I never did, Kayuga. I promise," I looked back at the cat into her eye. She studied me a bit before chuckling at me. She's got me pinned and seems to be taking too much pleasure out of it. She really didn't need to pounce me from a two story building just to get a point across. There're other ways to do this.

"Can't wait to tell mother how easily I've pinned you 'oh lustrous Seeker." I felt my stomach sink. No, she wouldn't do that to me. She wouldn't tell Mistress Tomoe and deface me like that. Would she? Kaguya never appeared serious or sounds too serious unless she needs to be. That doesn't me her threats bare no weight. She totally will if she wanted to.

"But… I might forget this if I get myself some venison within the next hour."

"That's blackmail," I spat at the noble and proud tiger that'd resort to such disgraceful tactics just to get some meat. She very well could've asked, and I'd have obliged her.

"True," she agreed swimmingly. "But it's easier and more fun to get what I want when you've no choice in the matter." I felt her lean in and nibbled my ear. Her teeth punctured my skin making me wince. She must've drew blood because she licked me afterwards. "Correction, you do have a choice, but I doubt you want to earn the disappointment of my mother, again." I could feel her unseen smirk on the back of my neck.

I wish I could call this damn cat a bitch but she's no female dog. I sighed and shook my head at this total nonsense.

"Fine," I relented. "I won't forget my place and get you your meat."

"Tender cuts and one heart, Naruto." She added in.

"Tender cuts and one heart, Kaguya." I repeated.

"As long as you understand it's a deal heh," she chuckled. In an instant her weight lifted from my body. I stood back up and wiped down my clothes and coat of the dirt it collected. I made sure to check on my sword as well. Ketsugetsu was fine if a bit annoyed. I'll have to feed him sooner now because of her.

Kaguya left to watch me from afar like normal and get her own business sorted. With that handled I thought of my next course of action. I've got to grab Mira then check in with Tsume. Then I have to head to Hana to ensure Mira has all her shots and healthy enough for travel plus infuse my blood to her to connect our systems. I need to check in with TenTen and Master Gai as well so they know I'll be out of pocket for a couple months. I need to go to see Hinata next not that finding her will be difficult. I can feel her aura from here on the way to the Inuzuka compound. Then I can meet up with my team and we can move out.

I rubbed my shoulders and sighed. The pain in my chest overshadowed the one on my shoulders. That Kaguya is heavy. I think she fractured a rib or two from that. You'd think with us being bond mates she'd be more gentle with me but her tests do make things interesting. I can't help but feel at ease to have her nearby too. Our interactions are always lively. Maybe that's why we paired together so well. According to the Cat Elder our compatibility is the highest he's ever seen cross species. Even more so than some Uchiha she mentioned. Never got a name or cared for one. Now that I think of it that's the second time I've been taken down by a female today. "Just how many females are gonna pounce me today?" I muttered with a frown. I shook my head of this. I need to go see She Who I Owe Tribute To before anything. Knowing Master Gai he's torturing… training his team right now. A short interruption wouldn't hurt anyone.

I rose my right arm into the air with my palm open and fingers spread out. Almost in an instant my right arm burst with flames as the sword brand glowed. Od filled my circuits exciting the black blood swimming in my system to rouse from it's rest.

Quickening.

The voice of the Demon Kensei overlay my own. I stepped and my body propelled up to the top of a roof. The tunnel through the threshold allowed ease of passage from one spot to the next. To step and cover so much distance in so little time with so few steps is the secret to the Quickening. This Shift Release ability is very interesting, and it took a demon for me to realize it. I guess the dragon within me discovered it first, but the demon was the first to utilize it. I did nothing but take on the sloppy seconds of the spirits within me.

I rolled my neck of his itch. My Jager spirit, I can feel the beast with me. The cold sensation of having my neck in the jaws of the beast within. I'd prefer to be nowhere else but there.

I found Team Gai in moments. Master Gai's energy is one of the brightest in the village and always shining like the sun in the sky. To my surprise I found them having a sit down. I reached into my coat and pulled out my cat clock. The little black cat meowed earning an ear scratch. His eyes widened just a tad. It's around ten thirty in the morning. Kakashi-sensei has us meeting him at the gate at noon giving me plenty of time. I'm thankful for the time to say my goodbyes but have a sneaking suspicion that Tsume had a hand in this. Yesterday she told me she'd finish the paperwork for Mira today around 11 almost as if she made this happen. It's very much possible she got to Kakashi and persuaded him to leave at a certain time that's convenient for her. Guess I'll see once I return to the compound.

I let my cat clock slip back into my coat and back into his world. I was lucky to be bestowed a manner to summon small time nekonin with simple little fuinjutsu instead of seals. I can only summon smaller cats that could be considered kittens, but I don't need them for much else than tools.

I dropped down into the training field softly and walked up to the team. Master Gai was the first and only one to notice me mainly because I landed in front of him and behind the others. It's gonna be strange to break away from my schedule. I'd train nearly every day with Master Gai and Cat. I'm not really obligated to tell this man I'm leaving, but I will regardless. Same with Tenten as well.

I reached up to my harness and loosened it enough to slip out of my weighted training vest. I swore to wear this only for as long as we've sustained our training regiments. That'll be impossible for the next quarter to half a year. I breathed hard with the extremely heavy jest in both hands. Wearing it is one thing but holding it is another. I held up the olive drab and black buttoned jest over. There's a lot a memories in this thing. Most of them aren't all that good. Still, this has been a tool I've used since I started training and decent armor that can stop tanto slashes and kunai cold.

"Good morning Naruto-kun!" Gai addressed me. His nice guy grin illuminated the training ground even.

"Eh!" Rock Lee turned around and saw me just feet away from the three of them. "Naruto-kun! As sneaky as usual I see." Lee shot to his feet and grinned at me as well. I nodded at him.

"Morning Master. Team Gai." I greeted them all pleasantly.

"What's up Naruto," Tenten asked. The fact that I sneak up on them is very common. I do it all the time. It's to the point that they've stopped watching out for me because if I want to be found I will be. Though escaping that Byakugan of his is no easy feat. Those eyes are hard to maneuver around and even more to find it's blind spot after all there's no such thing as perfect perceptions. There's always a flaw in the designs engineered by mortal hands. Some harder to find than others. Even in the Sharingan there's a weakness according to the few scrolls I found on Uchiha techniques in their compound. Secret compartments and the like are that difficult to find when shielded with seals. The vast amount of spirits in the walls of that compound called to me told me many things as well once I started spirit hunting. Disappointedly, I found no demons. Sasuke's mom is pretty nice though and very… lively for a spirit. She was very beautiful and strong willed when she was alive. I'm not sure how Sasuke's dad romanced her from what she told me of him.

"Naruto?" I blinked. Tenten was in my face waving a hand in front of my eyes. "Earth to Naruto."

"Sorry," I caught her wrist and gently guided her hand down. I faced Master Gai with the vest in my hands to present to him.

"I see," he said as he sat down once more on the boulder I found him on. "You're off then?"

"Yes sir," I nodded with the vest up for him to take. Gai looked down at the vest, the symbol of our Master and Student relationship that's coming to a halt.

"What's going on? Are you not training with us anymore," Tenten narrowed her eyes at me.

"Tenten," I faced to whom I give tribute. "I'm going on my first and last C-Rank mission out of the country with my team. I'll be gone for over half a year."

"Really?" She looked curious from this outside of the shocked expressions I expected.

"Oh, wow really!" Sort of like the one from Rock Lee.

"I wanted you know more than anyone that I won't be around to see you for a while Tenten." I faced Master Gai. "You as well. I brought this…"

"It's yours Naruto!" Gai placed a hand on my shoulder. His smile lost much of it's luster but replaced with something different. I felt a sense of finality from this. This is like the last time we'll meet like this. I felt this and couldn't explain it. "If anything, it's best I complete it." Gai reached for the vest and hung it on a finger. A single finger. While I'm having trouble holding it up with both hands the man's got it hanging by a finger. His finger isn't even taxed by the weight like I was. I'm proud to have been trained by such a strong man, but this is an example of our power differences. I have to reach his level somehow because if there's one inhumanly strengthened man in this world there's more. I left my reservations to myself though and opt to watch this man "upgrade" my vest for the last time. He pulled a couple pouches and weaved them into the folds of the vest for the sides and one for the front. He applied a few more weighted reinforcements to the shoulders, back, and chest once more making it much heavier than before.

"Heheh," Tenten chuckled. I glared at her and she winked at me. "You're pale Naruto. You okay?" Of course I'm not okay. That damn vest is heavy enough. More weight is a nightmare I'm forced into living now. It's going to take my body another week of soreness, aching muscles, and burning blood to adapt to more weight and another two to build all the muscles necessary to sustain normal operation after. I just wanted to give it back and take a break from it all, but the goddess didn't want me to every take the easy path it seems.

"Finished." The man presented me my fully upgraded and completed vest and to be honest, it looked good. The armor weight on the shoulders protruding a tad but in the course of a couple minutes he added two scroll loops for me and somehow added more red to it. The new armor weights he added are darkened red which meshed well with the dark green. I reached for it and braced as he released it.

"Oh," escaped my lips and my eyes widened. The weight is at least three times as much as before! This man expects me to walk around with this on my person at all times? Master Gai is insane!

"That was meant to be completed later within the year but with your progression you'll master this within a couple months. I know you can do it Naruto!" Master Gai placed his faith in me. He honestly believed that this sudden jump in difficulty won't break me. I can appreciate his support and confidence in me at the least. I sighed and slipped my upgraded vest on to my body. "How's it feel?" Terrible is what I wanted to say but couldn't to the man. He's too excited about giving this to me that I can't shatter his expectations now.

"It's heavy," I confessed an understatement. Heavy isn't the word for this. I can feel the seals I've applied to the vest forced the weight upon my entire body from my fingers to my toes. I felt like a cart of stones was over my shoulders, again. "But I can handle it."

"I know you can." Master Gai affirmed.

"You'll do great Naruto!" Lee gave me a thumbs up. Neji just gave me his resting Neji face before bowing his head to me. I returned it. We've never really exchanged many words between ourselves but not foes in any way. I'm not sure what to make of the guy outside of his antagonist tendencies towards Lee. He's never been negative towards me and reserved many of his opinions about me. We've sparred a few times but only when I desired to experiment with the style Hinata uses when my clones watched her. Using a bastardized form of the Gentle Fist didn't sit well with this prodigy at first, but he soon grew to accept my presence and I could suffer his.

"So, you're not gonna train with us anymore then." I heard the unspoken "me" TenTen decided not to include.

"Not any time soon." I faced the black smith girl. Her brown eyes pierced into my own. I couldn't guess what she might be thinking.

Tenten suddenly approached me with her fist up. One she placed against my chest. "I'm expecting a lot of spoils once you get back Naruto. Got it?"

I snort at that. Of course that's all she really cares about is the spoils and more weapons she can take apart or study to improve her craft. Her tenacity is a quality we share in our own worlds. "Fine," I shrugged. I plan on looting many special weapons I can for my collection. I can show them to her if that's how she wants to be rendered tribute. I stepped back and waved back to the team to leave it at that. "Goodbye Team Gai." I stepped off back into my Quickening to get to the Inuzuka compound next and…

"NARUTO! YOU BETTER COME BACK SAFELY!"

"Oh crap!" I missed my step. From the call meshed together with my added weight, it cause me to drop faster than before. Once I tried to jump to a branch I reached up to chest level instead of over it to land safely atop it. I slammed chest first into the branch blasting the air out of my lungs. I cough and hung there on the branch. "God," I groaned not so much from the pain but the shame. I can't believe that happened.

CRACK!

I looked up at that. "Oh come on," I groaned. Now the branch is breaking.

SNAP!

"Ugh." I took control of my center of gravity and twisted my body around in midair. I landed on the ground in a crouch and sighed. "That didn't just happen." I told myself and walked off. No one saw that so that never happened. I told myself this as I dragged my feet. I fiddled with the vest on my body.

"Damn you Gai. This is… Heavy."

On the Road

I hate walking.

I hate walking almost as much as I hate waiting.

I hate walking, running, sprinting, and jumping when I have the means to make the set task easier.

Normally, I'd take my horse for a ride if I'm traveling a decent distance away from the village or Kaguya; the same Cat that's been wandering around us for a while now. Then there's the people that make things difficult on me and my system without good reason. Here I found myself flanked by two other genin walking just like I am. In the middle of our formation is an old, unimpressive looking drunk in the simplest of clothing and straw hat. Kakashi-sensei, who has yet to show the mission scroll yet, is in the rear with his eyes in his book without worry with me at front.

Worse part is the fact it's been three god damn days of this. It's like the road is endless no matter how many steps we make. Months of being in the village took it's toll on my travel senses for I've forgotten what being on the road was like. Before I've never found walking this dreadful. Sure, it was annoying and dull, but it was drowned out by constant events or my companions. It's different now because it's really noticeable and really boring. We should've rented horses or something to ride out instead. I've still got my horse in the village and there's plenty of them to include bulls. I hope the princess rides them along with the others. Being stuck in a stable is never good for a horse, especially a stallion.

To fill time, I've gotten to work once more with my chakra exercises. I've work on shriveling a leaf while it's suspended above the palm of my hand with charka. I've improved my chakra control enough to spin a leaf a quarter of an inch above my skin. My forced to constantly work on my terrible control since my body seems to shift every single day. If I stop for even a week I'll be set back by three. To mitigate the deterioration of my control I've started the habit of hanging my sword on my back with pure chakra same with my arsenal of clone kunai on my leg. I have plenty of chakra so I'm not worried about exhaustion. Controlling it to a point for precise usage is the greatest of pains in the ass. Control is a step I need to master first then manipulation before combining the two right now.

I can walk a damn tree thanks to Master Gai and walk on water like some son of a god thanks to Cat, but I can't seem to shrivel a leaf floating above my hand right now like Kakashi can. Failure is wearing on me even now.

I sighed after the hundredth time since the start of this mission.

"Naru-nii okay?" I placed my hand atop the warm fur of my little friend and nodded. Once appeased I caught a leaf between my fingers to return to my training. I focused on the leaf which cut down half the way with ease to which I tossed away with a frown. Wind chakra is my body's natural element and water is second. It shown with the ease I can transform my charkra into either or. I didn't care these two but my old ones instead. I've it in my mind that if I keep trying I'll get it eventually. Could be the Naruto in me or maybe the desire to reflect my old life? Who knows.

I pulled a leaf from my chest out of five stuck to it. I placed it between my fingers and focused once more. After a moment I watched the leaf saturate from where my fingers were and up. Water chakra - basically using moisture within the body or in the atmosphere, saturating it with pure charka, and finally manipulating it's shapes, size, volume, and pressure. The idea of hitting a man with a highly pressurized water bullet to the chest with the force to bend steel drew a smile to my inner bastard.

I breathed once more to change my chakra output once more. The leaf started to dry then shriveled with ease. My D-ranks at the power plant have helped my training same with my months of work. I can finally separate one chakra attribute from the next. I discovered this once I started training after gaining Cat as a master. It's strange but I won't question it. I force elemental chakra into anything I touch but once its above my skin it becomes difficult.

Lightning is still difficult for me to manipulate.

I dropped my leaf down to the ground then used my pinky to take a clonai off my leg. I held it up by the tip with my index finger. From finger to finger I balanced a clonai on each tip by the tip then finished with a kunai on the palm of my hands. Chakra control exercises are so interesting and exploitable. I discovered this technique in a book I read about the Twelve Guardian Ninja. Making a stream of chakra linking one kunai to the next, making a shape and field within these barriers is akin to a set of guardians created for massive area attacks. Balancing leaf in the center was difficult and cost more chakra than this. Balancing spinning kunai with each connected in series I've figured out a way to turn this Zone into an extension of my body. I made the leaf move through this Zone of chakra six to seven inches up above my palm. While it sort of saved chakra it takes a good amount of concentration.

I took a breath, more like several, as I added my other hand into the mix. The clonia began to rise form my skin as I used my second hand to make a more parallel circuit to make the Zone grow. I took a breath as the leaf slow moved to the next hand past the clonai. The fox mentioned using both hands once and thought why not. If I can do it in both hands at the same time its good, I think. I'm not sure what this exercise of mine is called. While the first part sort of arose from the Twelve Guardian Ninja the introduction of both hands into the Zone originated from my Uzumaki book. All a Zone is, is the seal. All seals from the Uzumaki clan originated from at circle. Alone a circle holds no effect on it's surroundings outside of what's natural. Only when you implement your own will, a shape like a square or spiral, into the circle does the world shape to your will. In my regard I started with a hexagon. The book on the Guardians didn't really have any instructions, but the four Guardians though had it's story on how they used their Zone. My Uzumaki book covered it's theory and history. Hell, its in the very first chapter. Just never looked too much into it.

I'm pretty much winging it.

To control a circle, that which shapes the world, is to control the world. That's what I read between the lines and this revelation is what probably set the Uzumaki clan off. During this walk my mindset shifted and with it my training reached new levels. Seals, the Great Wheel, and the Obsidian Sphere; all examples of the path to shaping the world. In my earlier years as a hunter such thoughts would be treasonous of my prior obligations. "Prior" obligations. Now that made me curious to see where seals and The World could take me. So far these advanced improvements focused on chakra control not just for elemental jutsu. It's also to keep to my seal training up as well. You have to start somewhere. I just have to be careful I don't blow myself up. If I blow anyone else up well it sucks to suck.

I took another breath.

The kunai in my left hand was still up with the sharp point balancing on the palm of my hand. I used chakra to move it down from one fingertip to the next then to my palm. I pulled a leaf from my chest for my right hand to levitate and rotate with the first. I focused my chakra, but both weren't twirling like a cork screw like I sought. I can understand why the leaves on the center weren't turning but why not the clone kunai now? I wasn't straining to hold it up with my chakra so what is it? This is starting to become a source of aggravation for me.

After maybe a couple more hours of walking, adding a couple more kunai to the chakra web, I tossed the clonai in the air and caught them. The clonai in my right hand began to slow down in their rotation which isn't what I wanted. I knew that more chakra wasn't the answer because that will cause them to break and burst into smoke.

I took another breath.

It was all tied to my concentration and just how much I dedicated myself to the task at hand. The left began to fall but the descent was slow and steady meaning it was still in my field I made between my hexagon made up of kunai clones. In my spirit sight I could see a string of chakra linking them all together. There's no such thing as a 'secret to the art.' Most of the time its mental fatigue that limits you not physical, unless you're starving. Speaking of which I haven't eaten anything since this morning. I felt that if I reached for something everything I built would tumble, but the needs of the body out way the needs of training any day.

I reached into my jest and pulled out one on my calorie pills that a clone and Shion made for me for the road while I was gone doing the usual business. Well, it's more like a square than a pill but I found these brown squares to be very filling. Like eight soldier pills compressed, grounded down, and then refashioned into one nasty looking square. Shion gave these to Master Chef Hikari to add some flavor instead of the bitterness. I flicked it in that air and caught it on the tip of my tongue and bit into it. It tasted strange, but it wasn't the strangest thing I've ever eaten sadly so I swallowed it with hopeless abandon. The growling of my stomach ceased in a little over a minute which was a relief.

With my energy replenished, I looked back to my hexagon and found that the leaf had indeed dropped down to my palm, but I wasn't discouraged much. It was all in the learning process and Konoha wasn't built in a day. The forest around it was, but not the village itself.

I took another breath to revitalize my Ki building reserves and refocused on my training.

I could feel Ketsugetsu seconds from falling off same with my kunai on my leg. Damn it, I need to concentrate.

I took a second breath and my sword rose back up past my shoulder.

I took a third breath and my kunai stuck even harder to my legs.

Now that I think of it, what if I tried the leaf sticking exercise on my flapping clothing and vest to keep it tight to the body too. That would call for me to adjust the exercise for my entire body though on top of my hands. I'm currently asserting an extension of my chakra in the form of a field to raise a leaf in midair. The kunai act as the control rods for my chakra field so anything I make in the confines of this field can be manipulated as if it was touching my skin or within my body. I can raise the leaf to kunai level as well while holding the kunai on my leg and blade on my back. Maybe I can do more with my level of control.

I took a breath and took the leap.

I started at the feet but in an instant my kunai stop spinning and the Zone broke. My pants tightened around my leg and one by one my clonai fell into my waiting left hand.

"Damn it," I sighed and let go until my pants loosened around my shins. That's my current limit.

I placed my clonai back at my leg and took my leaf into my fingers. The leaf began to dry out until it imploded into a shriveled state then cut in half. I tossed the leaf away and reached into my coat, under my vest, for my compartment of bottomless stuff. It's not really bottomless, but I want the jaw dropped trio behind me to think it.

I pulled out a plastic ball for my next tool. I found it easier to learn proper chakra manipulation by rotation. When circulating the chakra in a field of sorts, or a container, I found I can learn to manifest my charka outside the body in an almost tangible state.

What better than a perfect sphere to learn control?

This plastic ball turned out to be a good medium for my training. At first I started with a ball of water. I used water charka to move it about then leveled down to pure chakra. Restricting it to air made it harder so I'm curious of what can be next. Maybe chakra manipulation without a medium. For now I only needed to hold the ball in both hands and feel for the subtle bump here or there which was proof of the coming hurricane I was creating inside this ball. I'm pushing out the chakra little by little. I've no clue what I'm creating but if I can manipulate the size of the field within then theoretically I can crossover this method to my elemental jutsu as well.

I took a breath and got back to training during this long, boring walk. Mira appeared a bit bored as well just like me. She'd either rest in my hood (which she's doing now), walk ahead of me with her nose up to the surrounding area, or explore around a little nearby. Kaguya has been out of sight until night time under the guise of darkness to rest with me. She's been keeping me company without the others knowing. Kakashi knows and if he cares he doesn't voice it.

"Sensei, what's he doing?" Fives whispered rather loudly enough for me to hear to Kakashi who was engrossed in his book almost as much as I was in my training. It wasn't hard to hide my training from Fives and Broody seeing that he was no longer scowling anymore in trade for brooding. Being up front as well makes it easier because of my bulky clothing obscuring most of my actions and reading. All they can see is my moving my arms and messing around with leaves and kunai. That's for the best.

"What do you mean Sakura? Who are you talking about?" Kakashi said feigning ignorance for now.

"Naruto." She answered.

Kakashi looked up from his book to me with his one visible eye. "Why don't you ask him?" With that Kakashi went back to his book.

Fives pouted but still looked toward me with determination. "Fine," she scoffed and left her position on the old drunk's left flank. She attempted to say something until Mira turned and looked straight at her.

"Naru-nii. Fives…" I felt a smile creep to my inner bastard's lips. It's forever marked that they're Fives and Broody/Scowls in the Inuzuka compound because of me. Fin the Master spread the word like wildfire. I'm still shocked Fin allowed me to take Mira when I requested her same with Tsume. Surprisingly they both agreed that I need some form of supervision on the Dog side not just the Cat. If Kaguya is coming then Mira had to. My cub is doing her job as my alert provider and alarm. Her nose is better than mine to pick up the subtlest of scents. My nose is meant to pick up life like blood or a person's soul from a distance making an animal a God send. They can pick up what I'm bred to ignore.

"I know," I whispered to the wolf dog. I do have working ears.

Five hesitated before swallowing it down. "H-hey puppy." The girl greeted Mira first with a nervous smile. Mira responded with a cute growl once she sensed Fives' anxiety. Predators feed off this when before prey. I thought Mira was too young to have these instincts. Guess I was wrong. The girl is too nervous right now. This is me we're talking about. I'm easy to talk to.

"Uh, Naruto," she finally greeted me albert frigidly.

I glanced back at Fives. "What is it?"

The girl cringed but didn't back down from whatever she wanted to get from me. She peered over my shoulder and drooped her eyes at the sight of the plastic ball in both of my hands. "You're playing with a toy?" I rose an eyebrow at not only her question but also how she said it in an 'of course' sort of way like me having a plastic ball was under my norm. I didn't like that look, but I didn't voice my opinion.

"Yes," I just sighed and went back to my ball. Fives didn't let it go like I wanted. I could feel it.

"Why do you have a ball?" She asked.

"For an exercise I've been doing." I answered.

"An exercise?" She repeated sounding very much full of disbelief at my admission.

"Yes, an exercise." I held the ball in front of her. "When you look at this plastic ball what do you see?"

"A plastic ball?" she replied dryly.

I almost smiled at her. Such a simple answer from such a complicated girl.

"Or maybe that's what I want you to think," I gave her a bit of a hint. She rose a brow and focused on the ball closely evidently curious. "Then again why should I explain what I'm doing to you?" I brought the ball back into both my hands. Fives just simply stared at me for a moment.

I felt something sharp on the back of my neck. It felt like claws from a certain wolf dog. "Naru-nii, leave Fives alone," Mira warned me childishly. "Mira is all Naru-nii needs." Someone's being a bit possessive right now. Doesn't like me talking to females much it seems. I know Kaguya has the same issues too. Females I swear are nothing be hassles no matter the form they take or as Nara males would call "Troublesome."

"Really Naruto, what happened to you?" Fives asked.

"What do you mean?" I felt a bump in my ball and pressed down on it.

"You're totally a different person," she reminded me again. "You changed your cloths, use actual vocabulary, dress better, and talk to us so differently. You're more aggressive and almost bi-polar at times. You never really smile or talk much. What I mean is… it's been a couple months and I don't understand any of this Naruto."

"You really don't need to understand me Fives. I've no reason to tell you about myself, especially with Broody over there trying to listen in." Broody huffed and turned his head away dismissing my accusation. It's not like it'll matter after this mission. It's over anyways. Once done they'll return to the village without me and I'll no longer be part of Team Seven. This is our first and last C-rank as teammates. No point in getting closer together now.

"See? That's what I mean. You still treat us so distantly and before we never really mentioned it, but it shows. Naruto, you're very mean at times and… have you gotten taller?"

I blinked and faced the girl for a moment and found myself at eyelevel with her or maybe two to three centimeters higher. I think I've grown to about 5 feet 1 inch so far. That would make me taller than her. "Huh, I guess so." I brushed it off and continued my training.

"N-Naruto aren't we a team?" Fives said finally using that card. "I should at least know something about the… new you."

I hummed softly. She's making a bit of an effort for the first time in months to approach me. I know Broody won't voice these words but his intent is palpable. I wonder what happened to her to make her this… eager. Before she was afraid of me, but something shifted. I'm curious enough to humor the girl so why not?

"Okay." I put my ball away.

"Okay?" She asked in surprise.

"Okay," I agreed again. "But you," I pointed to her first. "You have to tell me about you first and nothing pertaining to your current ninja status. I've read your file, but it didn't tell me much about you personally."

"Oh well… wait you read my file!"

"I've read everyone's file, but that's beside the point. If I'm going to be on a team with you and get into life or death situations with you and Broody over there, then I need to know at least if you can do anything other than get in trapped in a D-Rank genjustu, score a 6 out of ten on kunai toss, and retain some of the most unnecessary information the academy taught you and get bragging rights for it." Fives blushed red with every hit. It wasn't a blush out of happiness or shyness but of embarrassment and a little bit of shame as well at the mention of her lack of usefulness in the bell test from before or any other mission after that.

"To tell you the truth Fives, you don't seem like the type that was ready to throw her life away in the mercenary business we're in now." I rose my hand up to stop her from interrupting me. "Before you tell me about how we are ninja and what not we're all being paid by some higher authority figure that does nothing other than sit at his desk, smoke his pipe, and drink tea. Basically, a lord of some sort to do some odd job here or there ruining people's lives to make a living. If that's not a mercenary then I don't know what is." There's little difference between the lifestyle from now and then as well.

"But anyway, as I was saying before, you came into the business with the wrong mindset Five. Broody over there did and more than likely will never return your affections. Joining the Ninja Ops business for something as miniscule as that isn't acceptable. Why your parents, who were previous ninja of the village, let you join I'll never know, but you should think back to why you joined and really think if it will come true. Trust me when I say this life is like the ocean. Fair breeze and light waves for one minute then a raging hurricane the next."

Fives clenched her fist and took a breath. Little by litter her fist opened up but her eyes looked to be sort of blank out. She's learning to control her rage. That's a good thing. "Stop calling me Fives." The girl demanded.

"Earn the right." I returned. Mission accomplished. Avoided her inquisitiveness entirely and turned the tables on the little girl. Too easy. I turned back and got back to work now that I've made her uneasy.

"Naru-nii." Mira yawned before climbing up with her front paws on my shoulder. In my peripherals I noticed her sniffing the air for something. It pulled me away from my reading while walking Kakashi style. I was really getting to the good part of this volume of Icha Icha as well. I don't get a break from training often but this book pulls me into another world. A world that isn't this one with decent enough romances and well written smut scenes as well. Reading these books give me sources of torture techniques as much as pleasure and would like to meet the great man that made these books.

"Hmm?" I hummed as I put my book down to look up to the wolf pup. She knows not to bother me while reading because last time I let her walk for about ten miles until she learned her lesson. It must be important if she's risking my wrath.

"Smell bad people. Wanna hurt Naru-nii." Mira started to growl.

"Really," I rose an eyebrow. I turned my attention forward and pushed out my spirit sense. I reached up and placed my hand over her head and calm her down as I scanned the surrounding area. In time I got found a source of life that wasn't an animal. Physically I could see a puddle that she might've been hinting towards but spiritually I could see through their genjutsu they used to hide them from view. By them I mean two men from what I'm picking up. Both of them smell of salt water and poisonous plants. I'd take a moment to take care of them, but that'd be to easy. Firstly I'd like to know just why these men are here in the first place. Of course, there's possibilities in my mind, but in the end only about five rang the bell of sense.

"Mira, take a trip." I told her and the wolf down jumped from my shoulder and ran into the surrounding forest. I closed my book fully and tucked it away into the folds of my coat. I glanced back when I felt Kakashi's eye on me. I visually asked for the go ahead to take care of these two. He wasn't prior anbu captain by a fluke and quickly noticed the puddle and the two hiding in plain sight abiding their time. Instead of an answer he just broke eye contact to look forward instead.

"Hey Naruto," Kakashi said breaking our box formation leaving the rear flank unguarded. "Why don't I take front now? I'm sure you're tired of always being aware." Pretty much the man was telling me get to the back and that he has a plan. One I'm in the way of if I remain up in front. I felt a little disappointed that he decided to take control from me but relented in the end. I shifted toward the back with ease. The old man avoided any and all eye contact with me like I silently advised, and the old man wisely listened. Most first impressions for me are lasting impressions after all and so far I've been watching him carefully.

The old man has done nothing except cringe and shutter at even the slightest ruffle of a bush or sway of a tree when there is no wonder to speak of. He's showing many signs of extreme paranoia same with anxiety. He seems really anxious to get back home to Wave for his little project. Just a common bridge builder that requires ninja escorts is strange. Even to this day most caravans or traveling merchants travel with no need of such escorts despite the bandit activity along the borders of the Land of Fire. Most aren't foolish enough to dwell that close to the village for we are ninja and spotting a bandit camp isn't exactly difficult, even when concealed.

That leaves me to another reason I don't like this man. He's afraid and has yet to tell us what exactly he's afraid of. It isn't bandits for even I can tell this old drunk isn't worth the effort of a shakedown run other than for the homemade sake he's currently drinking. He's withholding information that much is obvious, and I hate not knowing at least a hint of what to expect before and like the two enemy ninja that might engage us any second. This proves maybe eight of my seventeen possibilities true. Why does an old man who came to the village without escorts needs it going back and to protect him while building his bridge? The answer is easy: To stop this man from finishing his little bridge.

I began to raise my hand to Kanryō but let it fall. No, instead I'll go without as sword when we're attacked.

I know better not to use cursed swords in my fights too much despite how orgasmic it feels when I feet it's blood lust take me.

I know better then to bask in the large addicting high you get when you feel all that energy poor into your body along with the experiences of the man or woman you sacrificed on its point.

I know better then to let the beast within take me for a joy ride for too long while using this sword as well no matter how free I feel.

I started to shiver. It started at my hand but traveled all the way up to my shoulder and spread to the rest of my chest then to the rest of my body. My weeks away from my sword helped curb the addiction. The shiver rose from my feet up to my shoulders ending on the same hand as before. My body began to calm down on the inside as well right on time.

Suddenly, I felt a rustling to the sides and a presence coming closet to us. I reached for one of my two of my kunai and waited to see just what the two ninja would do to us now. In almost an instant Kakashi was wrapped in spiked chains for some reason. I know he could have easily avoided that but didn't. I pondered on it to one explanation. If they believe our strongest member was taken out then that means we have the jump on them and not the other way around. Just encase if the genin can't handle the threat he can jump in.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Fives screamed.

"Ahh!" The old man followed.

"One down." One decided to gloat in a raspy voice caused by his respirator. Kakashi was ripped in spreads in an honestly unbelievable way with makeshift blood falling in the small area but that is it. Normally if someone it ripped apart like that this the aftermath would lead to a large amount of blood splattering every which way. I ignored the little trick and strolled past the man as Fives panicked over Kakashi's death. Broody remained stationary but ready for an opening.

"Next one." The other said from behind me this time. Both of them are now in the open. They dress in the same camouflage mist ninja clothing I've seen in photos. One in brownish camo and the other in a water-based camouflage. The Mist plates on their forehead as well as claws on alternate hands joined by a chain told of story of their fighting style. The same spiked chain cleaned of any blood. The chains came at me and in an instant we heard a load clunk. Broody took action and pinned the chain to a tree.

They shouldn't be so arrogant.

I shift stepped past the old man and Fives then tossed two kunai at them. I'm sure it was lightning fast from the chakra I filled them with. The one to my right rose his gauntlet to block it but stunned once the lightning burst from it that shocked him. He was staggered back giving Broody an angle ample time to move unnoticed. The second reacted to late and took the kunai to his shoulder. The pushback from the ki in it sent him back a step with a loud grunt.

"Meizu!" The other yelled when he noticed his friend stop abruptly then both watched as Meizu's arm limply fell.

I stepped between them and the old man in the midst of their confusion with my fingers arced.

"Gozu look out!" Broody land on top of Gozu's gauntlet same with Meizu's and grabbed hold. I shot forward just as Broody landed a kick simultaneously to their faces forcing them back. I went low and shot my hands out to take both of their legs forcing them to lose their footing.

Gozu turned only to get an axe kick to the face from Broody above forcing him to the ground. I twirled around and landed my own kick into Meizu's side sending him spiraling away. Gozu was stunned leaving him open for Broody to finish. Meizu was on his knees when he noticed this and attempted to move to help his friend, but I was in front of him before he could even take a third step. I waited in my spot as he moved towards me. The former Mist ninja rose his claw but came to a screeching halt just a hair from cutting me down. "What?!" the man looked back and noticed the chain was caught on the tree still bring him to a standstill.

'Not even gonna have to try,' I thought tired of this already. Root anbu are much more interesting.

I bat his arm out of my way, dropped my weight down, and fired an uppercut into his jaw like a cannon. I transitioned to a left hook across his chin rattling his brain and simultaneously taking my kunai out of his shoulder. I whirled and threw my kunai toward Gozu who had my Broody in a stalemate. I continued in my twirl spear kicking Meizu in the shoulder right where the clonia was. I made for a reversal once more around Meizu to his back then spear struck with two fingers in a spot on that same injuried shoulder from the back before stepping back.

Gozu saw the kunai flying towards him spinning around clumsily through the air but straight enough that it might hit him. He adjusted to dodge it. The moment it whizzed past his head Broody shot up and spun kicked the Mist ninja in the side of the head. Broody grunted and took the stunned ninja's gauntlet in hand. He used superior manipulation of energy to shoulder throw Gozu into the ground hard enough to make it lift up dirt.

I turned back around with my own momentum and ducked under sloppy swipes from Meizu's enraged claw attacks. I noticed the chain was gone which explained that. I dodged with simple steps back abiding my time until he felt just what those attacks did to his shoulder. A loud cracking resonated but that paled in comparison when the pain finally hit his brain forcing him to scream and drop to one knee taking his bursting shoulder in hand. Anko taught me a fair amount of techniques from her little snake style. Meshed with my prior knowledge I can break a body pretty easily and even make blood vessels explode if need be.

I rose my foot to his face and thrust kicked Meizu down into the ground. He was conscious like his friend but beaten. I looked back to Broody and he nodded to me. I grabbed Meizu by his good shoulder and tossed him back. Broody did the same forcing them to collide head to head. I took to the air same with Broody and landed a downward kick into Gozu and Broody into Meizu sending them down to the ground to their backs down and beaten.

"That didn't take long," I yawned. If they had been at least half of what the Root Anbu were made of this might've been interesting. That couldn't even be consider a warm up.

"Naru-nii!" Mira appeared from the brush and ran at me. I leaned down with my arm down for her to climb up. She suddenly jumped into my chest forcing me to catch her instead. I pet the wolf to calm her down from her excitement. I told her she did a good job with her warning. She's never seen me fight human opponents before. She licked my face earning a smile from me before placing her back on my shoulder and she climbed into my hood seconds later.

I wiped some dirt off my coat from my skid earlier then climbed over Meizu. "Grab the other one," I ordered looking at Broody. He rose an eyebrow at me but did as I said. He took Gozu's cloak in hand and dragged him after me. Meizu groaned when his shoulder moved as I dragged him to a tree. I drew my eyes towards the old man that stood shocked at our display. Fives was standing, trembling in front of the man with a kunai out in his defense. She put the mission first before her safety.

"Such a good meat shield." I heard within.

GROWL

"Calm down Mira," I said when I heard her growl at the two. They're beaten and know it. Speaking of them best I look them up. I pulled my bingo book out of my vest to look these two up. I felt them familiar to one entry in my book. They wore their Mist Ninja plates which narrowed it down. I found them both at one combined entry in moments. These two are of chunin level and tactics with mediocre bounties. Both twin brothers are a packaged bounty, wanted dead. I can't get the bounty with just the one then. Deidera has higher bounties than the both of them multiplied by ten. These rookies, since they're entry C rank ranked in my bingo book, are in the front with the rest of the small time bounties.

I sighed and placed my book away. What a waste of my time. So much so that I didn't bother with tying them up. If they move I'll cut them down. If I don't like being tied up in know they don't unless they're into that sort of thing. Instead of bondage I decided to up the stakes. I placed them on the ground off the path with each of their head point towards the other but with an imaginary line crossing over their necks as they rested shoulder to shoulder. I pulled Ketsugetsu out his sheathe and slammed the guard into the dirt near Meizu's neck. Broody stood atop the hilt once he got the hint. I walked around to Gozu grabbed the blade to drop down. I kneeled down with the end of my blade in hand and pressed the sword down at their necks.

"Don't move." I warned as Gozu reached up to stop the blade from taking his neck, like some demented form of a Guillotine, for the blade was just inches from the weakened Meizu's neck and held up by Gozu's free arm.

"Fuck... You," there was a pause for dramatic effect or for the fool to catch his breath. "Brat!"

I just looked at the fool below me. Insults didn't make me angry but made my desire to have some fun grow. Mira jumped from my shoulder and barked at the man from atop his chest. Before he could touch my partner I leaned forward and watched my blade's edge cut into his fingers as he forced the blade from cutting his brother's neck open.

"Mira don't like mean human Naru-nii," Mira growled at Gozu atop his shoulder.

"Don't be difficult or it won't end well for you," Broody warned in a little too calm sort of voice.

"Touch Mira as well and I'll kill you," I told Gozu stating a fact. If he thinks about touching my partner I'll cut his neck open after beheading his brother. The man listened and let his hand to swat Mira fall. "Using your fingers as well?" I reached down to his hand and pulled it into the edge of my blade drawing blood. Gozu winced and I released him. He pulled this hand away from the edge once he got the hint next. I whistled to Mira who returned to my shoulder and hood on call. "So, I'd like to know a couple things and if you don't answer I'll have to take your heads."

"Then why don't you then? You beat us, so go ahead." Gozu growled

"You sure? Your friend over there's glaring at you with an extremely bloody shoulder mentally telling you to shut up." I noted. Gozu blinked before looking over to his brother and saw that indeed Meizu was glaring daggers at him and bleeding out for his shoulder showing that getting tied up will not only make it worse but possibly kill him. Gozu looked away from his brother without saying anything but calmed down after that.

"Meizu and Gozu Himamori aka the demon brothers of Mist." I announced. Both men stared up to me in surprise.

"So, you heard about us huh? Got to say I'm flattered." Gozu chuckled earning a mental roll of my eyes.

"No dumbass he had a bingo book out a second ago. If you weren't busy trying to make this shit situation shittier, you'd have noticed," Meizu spat out angrily at his twin brother.

"Shut up Meizu and worry about bleeding out why don't you." Meizu didn't respond but instead went back to applying pressure to his wounds. I sighed and shook my head at the two. These two are both fools, but Gozu did bring up something important. I reached into my coat and pulled out some gauze and bandages along with a flask of water to go with it. I waved them both in front of Meizu and he fought the urge to reach for them. I nodded and the man reached up to it and snagged them from my hand. Suspicion driven eyes glared back at me from the man.

"Why?" He asked that using one word but that one world spoke paragraphs worth of questions. Why are you giving me this? Why are you helping me after what happen? Why should I trust you? Why don't you let me bleed out? Why not kill us? Many more questions, but I don't plan to answer all of those.

"Tell me who your target is?" I left his little question unanswered.

"Why should we tell you a thing brat?" Gozu spat.

I dropped my weight down and forced my sword further down upon the brothers' necks. Meizu would go first and dug into the ground as the blade hit his throat. "Gozu!" Meizu coughed as blood flowed up the blade of Ketsugetsu. He devoured the blood so fast it didn't have time to soak Meizu's neck band. Must be thirsty today.

"Because his life weighs on it," I answered. Gozu glared at me. In his eyes I saw his wall cracking at the potential loss of his brother. I'm sure the shivering sentient blade as well played a good part in breaking his will. "So it's either I feed you to my sword starting with your brother," I looked down to Meizu who was struggling to keep his neck down at much as possible. He had his hips up the forced his weight into his shoulders. One little kick and his weight will sling shoot his neck into Ketsugetsu. My sword can drain a man in a minute when he drinks from a blood highway. I've tested it. "Or you answer my question then I let you go with a message to your leader. Your choice." I focused Gozu. My face was blank but without my hood on my intent was apparent. I'm going to kill these two men if they don't comply and let them go if they do. It's that simple.

"How do we know you'll let us go," Gozu challenged. "What ninja would do such a thing?" That was a good point. Most ninja would never make deal like this. They'd lie going back on their word without hesitation. I'm not a ninja though. I'm just me. I left their question unanswered again and waited with my sword feeling a bit too light so dropped it a tad more. Meizu gagged and reached for the opposite end of the sword. The end that sucks in your flesh at that which ate into his fingers. "Fine!" Gozu roared right before I could get to the good part.

"Good." I reached for Meizu's fingers and swiftly yanked them from that opposite end of my sword. If I pulled them off slowly he'd had lost the hand. I lifted up my blade which caused Broody to stand off the hilt. I took my sword back in hand at the ready for a quick beheading just incase. I dropped my first aid supplies on Meizu's chest to use. With his brother's help began working on his injury. He scuffed down as much water as he could after removing his respirator revealing his face. Gozu and Meizu truly are twins under their face masks with the only difference between them being how they dress and hair styles but not much else.

I leaned down to a knee before them to start our little talk. "Why did the two of you attack us?"

Meizu grunted, "We wanted to old man." I glanced back to the old man and so did Broody and Fives who were in listening distance. The old man looked too guilty to be innocent.

"I see, well then, who's your boss? Is it one of the seven swordsmen?"

"Yeah." Vague question for a vague answer.

"How is the situation in Mist?"

The two brothers stopped what they were doing. "Shitty." They both said together.

"I see." That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I stood up with my sword and backed away from the two former Mist ninja. Broody gave me a confused look but did the same. I took my flask back when Meizu was finished with it. "Look forward to our next meeting you two."

The two brothers climbed back up to their feet each sporting a bruise or two from us. Both were confused on my words then shrugged. Meizu groaned painfully when he tested his jaw then shoulder. "You're one fucked up kid," he told me while nursing that shoulder of his. Meizu and Gozu regarded me with a look before jumping away back into the trees.

"Why did you let them go?" Broody asked. "They could tell their leader how they failed and crucial information."

"Maybe," I admitted. "But at the end of the day the only info they have is one Jonin down and two genin that can fight. Everything else is inconsequential."

"Hn. I doubt it's that simple."

"You'd be surprised." With that I turned back to the two standing quietly staring at me and walked toward them. The old man stepped back when I said nothing but in the end I did nothing as well. I took to the front again like before and took out my Ball like before to get some more training in for today but this time I didn't hide it away from the curious eyes of the three behind me. A moment later Kakashi appeared from the shadow of a tree and walked towards us.

"K-Kakashi-sensei? You're alive! But I saw..." I placed my hand on her head and forced her chin down before she could finish that. Then I pulled her eyes to the area Kakashi "died" minutes again. "W-what?" She saw that the body parts from before were just everyone's friend the log. The very thing that protects us in our time of need without asking for anything in return. The log is our best friend. As long as well have the will to fight the log will be there to take a hit for us. I'm honestly not surprised I found a cult that worships the log in the village for how could you not? If a block of wood saves you from death more than a few times you start to believe that the log is God protecting you as you travel. I'm not a believer in such things but I can see how others are.

Broody just opt to remain stoic instead of basking in the revelation of our teacher's survival. Kakashi past me without saying a thing for the old man to question him about the mission we're currently on. I heard the old man us a guilt inscribed story of his country. The name Gato came up and I frowned. That name has crossed my desk more times than desired. He refused to let my shipment run over the water forcing me to instead have them travel over land. It's cost me so much to fund land travel or sea. The man asked for an astronomical amount of funds to allowed passage and even a tax to go through the Land of Waves. I've been meaning to send Deidera but he's been busy with other missions from me in Iwa. The old man described the destruction of his land, but all I heard was talk of opportunities to get a foot hold outside of the country and near the Land of Mist.

Kirigakure: The land currently imboiled in Civil War against the current Mizukage and his Dictatorship. The Water Daimyo is currently indisposed after the end of the Third Shinobi War. The current one is a figure head at most to give the illusion of following the current system of Tier 1 States. Everyone has a Hidden Village of ninja for military might, clans to call their own, customs that differentiate them from the other, and finally a Damiyo that steers the country towards a prosperous future.

Mist has none of those being why its in chaos and why Gato is profiting greatly from it. The fact he controls the shipping community from there to a quarter of the continent speaks volumes of his business sense. He's big news compared to my small ventures. Seeing this bridgebuilder now I can see why he's a thorn in Gato's side. With Wave as a disjointed island he's basically a king without anyone under him since Mist is in turmoil. Even more now that Namigakure declared themselves a separate state. Because of this they've no Daimyo, no kage, leaving a power vacuum. But once this land if jointed by another, being Hi no Kuni as the closest landmass, Namigakure would have to adhere to the Fire Daimyo because of the joint massing. Gato would lose his throne. If I was Gato I might've personally eliminated this old man myself without anyone knowing.

This is where I can gain a foot hold if I can gain a country not just a few little buildings around the continent. I glanced back to my shadow. It's reddened eyes opened as it met my blue ones. I might be mistaken but I swear the part of the shadow where the mouth should arced and the cheeks protruded out. It seems the beast supports this then.

"We're to head back seeing that this is more than as requested and payed for." Kakashi looked back to me to whom I shook my head at. We both know there's no point in going back. I'm going forward with the mission regardless of what he decrees. He knew this by shape of a frown formed under his mask. He kept his thoughts to himself on that matter though. I walked past him to start walking but he called me in a firm "Naruto." I stopped what I was doing to regard the older man with a glance. "You did well for your situation and took a good cultural standing when it came to those two. Be careful about how you handle prisoners though for the future."

I breathed out harder than I really wanted and rubbed my temples. Kakashi didn't take offense to my action though because he knew what I was really doing. The chemicals in my body are going haywire right now and I have to calm down before I go into some form of shock, again. I let my hands fall when I felt at ease enough to return most of my attention to that one eyed man.

"That was a solid display of teamwork from you two though." He gave both Broody and I a look. He scoffed and I shrugged. Our teamwork was sloppy in my opinion and wasn't that well synchronized. Then again we just started training together only days ago.

"Naruto, what do you recommend we do seeing that you retained the lead?" Kakashi questioned.

"We go home Naru-nii?" Mira asked a bit confused. She's expecting an adventure and her growth into a ninja dog soon. We're partners in this so she'll go where I'll go, but I know she's eager like I am to travel and learn. Not like I can go back anyway. I've only this mission or wandering around until the time my term is over. Might as well get paid and another mission on my record toward promotion. Knowing that scheming old timer he's plotting to promote me sooner rather than later once my transfer from team to apprentice status is approved. I'll have to be to some manner of Specially Appointed rank. Special Jōnin came to mind. Special Genin did exist some 100 years ago and still does. It's just a custom rarely practiced, if at all.

"No," I said to Mira. She licked my cheek and I smiled. "I see another one of my vacations coming." That tipped off alarms on the other two males on the team. Just look at what happened last time I went on a vacation.

"We should go Sensei." Broody voiced his desire for once other than using the usual grunt.

"Why is that Sasuke? You seemed eager to go back a couple seconds ago." Broody didn't answer and opt and turn his head away instead.

"We're burning daylight." I stated softly and started walking forward without them. The old man's eyes followed me and soon so did his body. Broody was next and took the right flank. Fives was torn between two worlds but let go and her body took left flank.

Kakashi sighed, "Ditched by my own genin." Kakashi followed soon enough with his book out to keep reading.

A/N: Been mowing over just how much to put in a chapter. I didn't want to little but not too much. I didn't want it bland and somewhat entertaining to read. It's such a challenge to keep writing at times. I can see how many stories on this site remain unfinished. But damn it I'll complete this one and a few others for damn sure.

It's been a while since the last update and for any readers before the new I'm sorry for that. I've been writing a lot ahead and compiling it all together to make the story flow. I'm gonna cycle back to correct some inconsistencies in the earlier chapters as well. I know there's more than a few. I've the ending of this story finalized for the most part now I just need to get to it with all the crap I want to add in the mix. It's gonna be interesting that's for sure.

Thanks for reading and hanging on so till the next time.