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Misfit Genins: Ch. 6

The Calm Before The Storm


Naruto walked through the dark corridor, making his way through as if drawn to an unknown source. Naruto knew this area well; after all, he had been here numerous times. As he walked through the corridor, a faint light shone in the distance. Naruto made his way to the light, emerging into a large opening. The only light coming from four lit torches. Naruto made his way to the center of the room, his feet splashing along the water which covered the floor.

“What do you want, ya damn fox?” Naruto asked, staring into the giant cage before him.

The two large eyes of the Kyuubi emerged from the darkness.

“You brat! You have used my great power repeatedly to aide you in battle. Countless times I have saved you from death, and yet, you still speak to me with such disrespect!” The Kyuubi growled.

Naruto just flashed his typical foxy grin. “Ya, but you live in my body and if I die, so do you, so just think of it as paying rent.” He said. “Now, I know you didn’t call me to b***h about how I treat you, so what did you want?”

The Kyuubi’s face appeared in full. “A demon, I sensed one yesterday. At first, the demon energy level was low, as if belonging to something nothing more than a half-breed, but then I sensed a greater demonic presence, the one belonging to the five tailed demon, Hokaku.” The Kyuubi said with a sneer.

“Five tailed demon? Hokaku? What are you talking about, you crazy fox.” Naruto said, confused.

“Hokaku is in your village, sealed in the body of a half-breed, and you came into contact with that vessel.” The Kyuubi said. “Also, there is another demon in your village, Nekomas, the two tailed demon.” The Kyuubi grinned an evil grin. “It appears as if this village is becoming the home for the damned.”

“Five-tailed demon? Two-tailed demon? Vessels? Are you telling me that there are two other demon vessels, like Gaara-san and myself, in this village?!” Naruto replied, confused by the news.

“That’s exactly my point, brat. Seems like your return home will be more exciting than you anticipated.” The Kyuubi replied with a sadistic grin.

“But… the only new people I met in the village was that strange Ayumi girl and…”

Naruto suddenly sat up in his bed. “Onii-san.” Naruto blurted out, panting lightly.

The body next to him in the bed began to stir. “Mmm, Naruto-kun? Is everything ok?” Hinata asked in a worried and sleepy manner.

“I need to find onii-san. There’s something I need to ask him, it’s really important.” Naruto said, passing his hand through his hair as he contemplated what the Kyuubi had told him.

Hinata’s arms wrapped around his neck, as she brought herself closer to him, nuzzling his neck. “I understand Naruto-kun, but can’t you stay with me for a little while longer?” She said in a sweet tone.

Naruto smiled. “Of course Hinata-chan.” Naruto replied, wrapping his arms around her neck and kissed softly, as they both laid back down in the bed.

Elsewhere, in Konoha Training Grounds #5:

Shikamaru laid on the grass, with his hands behind his head. A toothpick was held lazily between his teeth, as he watched the clouds drift by slowly.

“Always day dreaming, you slacker. How do you plan on making it up to me after I saved your sorry butt.” A voice said from behind him.

Shikamaru smirked, turning his head and body to meet his new visitor. “Damn woman. They are nothing but pains.” He said, smiling as he picked himself up from the ground. Temari smirked as she walked closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips against his. Shikamaru wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the kiss.

After a minute or so, the peace was disturbed by another new voice. “Aww, look Gaara. Don’t they make such a cute couple?” Kankuro said laughing. Gaara smirked at the comment. Shikamaru and Temari broke their kiss out of embarrassment, blushing deeply.

“Shut up Kankuro!” Temari said, still blushing, Shikamaru chuckled. “That’s quite a lot of talk from a guy who wears makeup and plays with dolls.” Temari giggled at the comment and Gaara’s smirk turned into a full blown smile. Kankuro’s initial reaction was an upset one, but quickly turned into a smile. “Good one slacker.” Kankuro responded.

“So…” Shika said, as he looked at the Sand Siblings. “…What brings you three back to Konoha?”

“Well…” Gaara began.”…our darling sister here has been whining about not seeing you…” Gaara said, pointing at Temari, who blushed at the comment. “….I have personal business with the Hokage, and Kankuro was just bored. Plus, we would never give up a chance to gloat, in person, about how we saved the shinobis of Konoha.” Gaara said , chuckling.

Shika, Temari and Kankuro stared at Gaara. “Gaara’s laughing?” Shika asked, confused. “I know, scary huh?” Temari whispered back. “You should see him tell a joke.” Kankuro chimed in.

Gaara stopped chuckling and turned his attention to Shikamaru. “So, are you coming with us? Or are you too busy watching the clouds?”

“Heh. You’re such a pain.” Shika said with a smirk as he led the Sand Siblings towards the Hokage’s office.

Elsewhere in Konoha’s Marketplace:

Shizune walked through the marketplace, looking at each vendor’s goods and chit chatting with the vendors. She made her way to the middle of the marketplace, where she met up with Anko and Kurenai.

“Ohayo Gozaimasu.” Shizune said with a smile and a slight wave.

Kurenai met Shizune’s smile and wave with a smile and wave of her own. “Ohayo, Shizune – san.” Kurenai replied.

“Yo!” Anko replied with her trademark smirk and fingers held up in a “V” pose.

“So, where are we going for lunch today? Tsunade – sama is busy with the whole ordeal involving the Uzumaki brothers, so…” Shizune stopped speaking as Anko shot her a death glare. Kurenai saw this and laughed. “Oh come on Anko, you know the whole thing was an accident. Besides, at least he complimented your body.”

Anko blushed in embarrassment, remembering the incident. Anko gritted her teeth upon remembering. “Baka!” she said, under her breath.

Shizune giggled at this, before continuing with her previous question. “So, where are we going for lunch?” She asked

“Hinata – chan has invited us, as well as the ‘Rookie Nine’ and their instructors out to lunch in honor of Naruto’s return and his new found family.” Kurenai replied.

“Is the baka-no-hentai going to be there?” Anko asked, blushing a bit and clenching her fist.

Kurenai smirked. “Hinata couldn’t find him anywhere in the village. She even asked Shino, Kiba and Neji to help find him, but to no avail. She’s hoping to find him before the party.”
Shizune looked at Anko, smirking. “Why did you ask Anko-sempai? Wanna offer him another look at your body?” She asked, chuckling.

Anko blushed in embarrassment. “Shut up Shizune. You’re the one who acts all shy around him. Seems to me like you wouldn’t mind showing him your body.”

Shizune blushed at the comment. “I-I….uh….I mean…..th – that’s….not true.”

Kurenai interrupted Shizune with a laugh. “Alright you two, enough! Let’s go eat.” Kurenai turned and walked towards the restaurant with Anko and Shizune in tow.

Elsewhere by Konoha’s main gate.

Kanaka walked through the tranquil forest, enjoying the peacefulness. He leapt into a tree, landing on a tree branch, crouching down. He pulled off his skull cap and let his fox ears enjoy the breeze that passed through his hair. His ears twitched, picking up the sounds of the forest. He saw an orange and white colored fox emerge from behind a bush. Immediately after, another fox, slightly bigger and older looking, emerged from behind the same bush. The two foxes began to play with one another, with the older one gaining dominance much of the time.

‘Heh, seems like two brothers playing.’ Kanaka thought.

Just then, another fox emerged from the bush. This fox was bigger than the other two and appeared older. The two foxes stopped playing and the youngest looking one began nuzzling the oldest one.

‘Heh, two brothers and a father. Reminds me of what could have been with Naruto, dad and myself.’ Kanaka thought to himself, as he watched the three foxes run off. Sighing, he stood up from the branch.

“Well, enough slacking, time to go find Naruto.” Kanaka said to himself as he made his way back to Konoha.

Elsewhere, in Tsunade’s office.

Shikamaru knocked on the door and awaited a response with the Sand Siblings. “Enter.” Tsunade’s voice said. Shikamaru turned the knob and entered the office with the Sand Siblings in tow. “Ohayo, Tsunade – sama…..eh?” Shikamaru stopped in mid sentence when he noticed Tsunade’s other guest.

“Hinata-chan, what are you doing here?” Shikamaru asked.

“Oh, Shika-kun. I was just about to go find you. We are having a small party in honor of Naruto’s return. Would you come, please?” Hinata asked.

“Who is going to this little celebration?” Shikamaru asked.

“So far, all of the ‘Rookie Nine’, pending yourself, as well as all of our senseis, Tsunade-sama, Shizune-sama and Anko-sama.” Hinata said.

“Eh, sounds troublesome…” Shika said with a smirk. “… but I suppose I can be bothered to make an appearance Can I bring her along as well?” Shika asked, pointing to Temari.

“Oh, Gomen –nosai, Temari-san. I did not see you there. If you would like to come, please come join us.” Hinata said, then turned to Kankuro and Gaara. “Kankuro-san and Gaara-san, you both are also invited if you would like to join.” Kanakuro and Temari nodded in response.

“Naruto-kun, eh?” It has been awhile since we have seen one another.” Gaara said. “I will come, just as soon as I attend to business with the Hokage.”

Tsunade smirked. “Gaara, you have to be the most uptight Kazekage I have ever met. Work can wait, its time for a party.” Tsunade said smiling. “Besides, I could really use a break from all of this paperwork.”

Gaara smirked and Hinata smiled at everyone’s response. Hinata took the lead and walked out of the room, while everyone followed her, Tsunade locking up behind her.

Ramen Shop:

“WHAT?!?!?!?!” Naruto shouted out loud. Naruto stood before the ramen shop, a ‘Closed’ sign was displayed.

“I finally return home from training for more than two years and my favorite ramen shop happens to be closed when I choose to visit. Just great old man, just great. Now what do I do for food?” Naruto asked out loud.

“Naruto-kun!” said a voice from behind him.

Naruto turned and faced his caller. “BUSHY-BROWS!” Naruto exclaimed excitedly. “Long time no see!”

Rock Lee stood before Naruto, looking the same as he did two and a half years ago, only this time, he wore a chunin vest. “Naruto-kun, you are one of my rivals. You have been gone for two and a half years, training with a legendary Sanin, no doubt getting stronger.” Rock Lee said in a serious manner, hiding the joy of seeing his old friend. “Never the less, I too have been training non-stop, preparing for your return.”

“Eh? I’m one of your rivals? You’ve been training to beat me?” Naruto said in disbelief, before pausing to review what he had heard. He then smirked his usual foxy grin. “Hehe, I shouldn’t be so surprised. After all, I am going to be Hokage!” Naruto said, pointing to the monument of the Hokages.

Lee smirked. “I see you haven’t lost any of your confidence Naruto-kun, so how about a test to see if you improved?” Lee asked.

“Nani? A test? But I haven’t even eaten yet.” Naruto cried.

“Don’t worry Naruto-kun. The race is to a restaurant, right by the Hokage’s office.” Lee replied.

Naruto paused to ponder the request. He chuckled a bit before flashing his foxy grin. ”You’re on, bushy brows!” Naruto exclaimed.

Lee smiled again at his friend’s energetic response. “Very well, Naruto-kun, but I should warn you, you are facing the beautiful azure beast of Konoha, and I don’t lose easily.” He said smirking.

“Ya, ya, whatever you say bushy brows.” Naruto replied, waving off Lee’s comment. “So, on the count of three?” Naruto said smirking.

Lee nodded. “One…” he began.

“Two…” Naruto continued.

“THREE!” They shouted in unison as they took off running.

They ran through the village, jumping over or sidestepping any villagers in their way. They ran along the ground, atop canopies, even up at the rooftops. Their fast reflexes allowed them to avoid any shops or clotheslines that were in the way. As they continued their race, they began to pick up speed, they remained neck and neck. They got closer and closer to the restaurant, Naruto began to push himself harder, picking up more speed and inching his way in front of Lee. The restaurant came into Naruto’s view and Naruto began stopping, his feet skidded along the ground, kicking up dust, as he stopped right at the steps. Naruto smirked, knowing he had won, as he turned to await Lee.

“Heh, sorry bushy brows, but it looks like I wi….” Naruto stopped his sentence as he realized that Lee wasn’t about to stop. Lee was getting closer and closer to Naruto and just when it seemed they would collide, Lee stopped right in front of Naruto. Naruto began to breathe again; he had held his breath, expecting a collision.

“Heh, it seems you have gotten stronger Naruto-kun, but you need more training for your leg strength.” Lee said smirking.

Naruto laughed at Lee’s comments. “Lee, you need stop obsessing over training, it’s not healthy.”
Lee was confused at Naruto’s comments. “What do you mean, Naruto-kun?” Lee asked, scratching his head.

Naruto laughed again. “Nothing Lee, nothing at all. Come on, let’s go eat.” Naruto said, as they both entered the restaurant.

“WELCOME BACK!!!!!” rang out through the restaurant, causing Naruto to be taken back. Standing before him, was all of the original ‘Rookie Nine’, along with their instructors, Shizune, Tsunade, Jiraya, Konohamaru and his corps, and the old man from the ramen shop, along with his daughter.

“Naruto-kun…” a soft voice said from behind the crowd. Hinata made her way to Naruto.”…were you surprised?” She asked nervously.

Naruto smirked, while rubbing the back of his head. “Hai…” he responded.” …you guys really surprised me, but what is all this?” Naruto asked.

“It’s your ‘Welcome Home’ party. You have been gone for two and a half years and I just wanted you to see that you were missed.” Hinata replied.

“Ya, besides, Konoha has been pretty boring without its number 1 loudmouth running around.” Kiba said, patting Naruto on the back.

Naruto chuckled. “You’re just sore that I beat ya, two and a half years ago, dog breath.”

“True, you did beat me, but who’s the chunin?” Kiba said with a smirk, patting Naruto on the back again.

Naruto felt depressed because of the comment. “You are right….” Naruto began, slightly down. “….but you better not count me out, because I’m going to be the next hokage before you know it.” Naruto replied, grinning.

Kiba and the rest of the room smiled. “I don’t doubt it one bit.” Kiba said.

“Well you better hurry up already. I didn’t become Kazekage simply for the sheer enjoyment of paperwork.” Gaara said, surprising Naruto.

“Gaara! Long time no see.” Naruto shouted. Naruto then spotted Kankuro and Temari. “Oh and the guy who wears make up and plays with dolls and….um….who are you again?” He asked, looking at Temari.

“Na-nani? Don’t you remember me?” She asked, somewhat shocked.

Kankuro tsked. “This whole village is filled with smart asses.” He said to himself.

Each person in the room took their turn welcoming Naruto back to the village. Shizune, after welcoming Naruto back to the village, walked over to Hinata.

“Where is Kanaka-kun?” She asked.

Hinata shook her head from side to side. “No one could find him. I was hoping to have him show up so that he and Naruto could spend some time together, but he wasn’t anywhere in the village.” She answered.

“Well I say good riddance.” Anko chimed in. She had been standing next to them, listening in on their conversation.

Kurenai draped her arm over Anko’s shoulder. “Aw, come on Anko, don’t be mad, just because he saw your ‘goodies’ without buying you a drink and some dumplings first.” Kurenai said, laughing.

“Kurenai!” Anko growled in a low tone, as she blushed a deep red.

“Oh calm down, I was only teasing.” Kurenai replied, laughing. “Still, you can’t help but wonder where he is? I don’t think he would just leave after finding out he has family and a chance at finding out information on their father.” Kurenai continued.

Elsewhere, in the forest of Konoha:

Kanaka walked lazily from the forest, past the front gates of Konoha. The Anbu guards stationed at the gate watched him like a hawk as he passed by. Kanaka noticed their stare, and while smirking under his mask, gave them a slight wave. This caught the Anbu off guard, causing them to be taken back. Slowly, they returned to their watch over the front gate. From the front gate, Kanaka made his way to the marketplace. There, he spent his time looking at all the items for sale. He made his way through the marketplace and towards the Hokage’s office, passing the restaurant that Naruto’s celebration was being held. His kitsune ears, ultra sensitive to sound, heard the party going, twitching when he heard his name mentioned.

“Hinata-chan, I’m going to step out for a second and Kanaka nii-san” Kanaka overheard.

“Gomen nosai, Naruto-kun, but I couldn’t find him all day.” He over heard Hinata reply.

Curious, Kanaka entered the restaurant and made his way over to the party.

“Kanaka-kun!” Shizune shouted happily. “You made it to the party.”

Naruto, Hinata and the rest of the group turned to see their new guest.

“Kanaka-kun!” Hinata said surprised while Naruto just smirked. “Kanaka nii-san, I knew I would see you today.” He said, looking to his older brother.
Iruka made his way over to the two brothers, placing his hand on Naruto’s shoulder. “So you must be the infamous Uzumaki Kanaka, older brother of Naruto and eldest son of the Fourth Hokage.” He said, smirking. Naruto interrupted his former sensei and father-like idol. “This is Iruka sensei, nii-san. He taught me when no one else would and he took care of me after dad passed away.” Naruto said, somewhat depressed by his own comment. Iruka extended his hand and Kanaka took it and shook it. “It’s a pleasure.” Kanaka said.

“Ya, well it’s not such a pleasure for me.” Anko growled, glaring at Kanaka.

“Anko-sempai! Let it go already.” Shizune said, surprised she would say such a thing.

Kanaka was taken back by Anko’s comment. “Look, I said I was sorry, it was a mistake. I was being chased by a mob and I didn’t know where I was going.” Kanaka said nervously.

Anko grumbled at Kanaka’s response and Shizune’s reaction. “Whatever.” She said, before leaving to the bar area.

“Don’t worry, Kanaka-kun. Anko-san is just bashful when it comes to people seeing her nude.” Shizune said with a laugh.

Kanaka laughed nervously in response. “Ya I can see that.”

Suddenly, a loud shout was heard. “GET BACK HERE!” A female voice shouted.

“Toume?!” Tsunade said out loud. “When did she get back into town?”

“WHY SHOULD I? YOU’RE TRYING TO KILL ME!” A male voice shouted in response. The sound of a pair of footsteps running by was heard, followed by silence, and then another pair of footsteps.

Everyone looked in confusion as to whom the other voice belonged to. Kanaka’s eyes widened in surprise, before he held his head in his hand.

Shizune noticed this. “Kanaka-kun, do you know who that was?” She asked.

Kanaka nodded his head slowly. “Unfortunately, I do.” Kanaka groaned. “He just got here and already he’s caused trouble. Damn it Codi.” Kanaka said to himself in a low tone.

“Well? Who is it?” Shizune asked curiously.

“Someone who is going to turn this village upside down.” Kanaka said sighing.

Ch. 6 End

Next chapter: “Here’s Codimaru………And There Goes The Neighborhood.