Naruto Making Uzumaki (rewrite) Chapter 7 (the real 7)

[Psyckosama]

Sasuke paused to take in a deep breath before taking a long sip of the luxurious beverage that sat before him.

The tea was excellent, Sasuke reflected. It was very fragrant with just the right hint of sweetness, brewed just long enough. Seeped to that perfect moment that allowed it to capture the full essence of the leaves without becoming bitter.

It was simply put, the best Jasmine tea he’d had in a very long time.

He let out a deep sigh and allowed his normally schooled features to settle into a content smile. After all, there was nothing quite like a relaxing cup of tea after a long day of training to help one center themselves.

He slowly smiled at the other two figures sitting around the table with him. Tazuna, the philistine, seemed to be unappreciative of the tea. Probably wishing that it was warm sake or some grain based spirits that was overpotent to the point of doubling as a disinfectant.

The other was his odd host, Oshinami Shingi. He refused to be called by any honorifics, seemingly taking offense to any form of politeness directed towards him. In turn, while he was extremely gruff, he managed to combine his grizzled nature with a humble form of speech that bordered on self-depreciative. The result was a very odd man who was seemingly polite despite himself. An odd man who made outstanding tea.

He took another sip. An odd man with a very interesting tale to tell.

“And now, Uchiha-sama, you understand why I must speak to Uzumaki Naruto.”

“Hmm.” Sasuke simply nodded in affirmation.

He did agree. Completely. It actually shocked him to even think it, but Naruto needed to speak to this man almost as badly as he needed to kill That Man.

He took a sip, savoring it.

And for many of the same reasons.

“I find it almost hard to believe that Naruto has so much depth to him. I guess we’re more alike than I once believed,” Sasuke admitted, before pausing, “Though please don’t tell him I said that.” He smirked, “I have appearances to keep after all.”

“Don’t worry, Uchiha-sama.” The old man smirked. It was terrifying. “Your secret is safe with me.”

He smiled and then looked at Tazuna, “It’s fortunate that I suspected you. It will be far less suspicious for me to bring him here.”

Tazuna scowled. “Are you saying I’m suspicious?”

Sasuke merely tapped his tea cup and gave the man a long suffering look.

The old man paused for a moment and sighed, “Yeah, now that I think about it, I can see how an old man asking a young boy to sneak off into the deep woods with him would....”

“Be like the kind of thing our sensei warned us to be careful about when we were six,” Sasuke added with a slight smirk. Even the last of the Uchiha couldn’t say no to a target that easy.

Tazuna flushed and stammered somewhat. Shingi on the hand chuckled in amusement. It sounded like grinding rocks.

“So, you’re Uzumaki Naruto’s teammate,” Shingi observed, “I’ve told you why he’s here and why I want to speak to the boy, but tell me about the kid. I want to know what I’m dealing with. Don’t want to accidently piss off the kid.”

Sasuke paused to think for a second and took another slip. He considered it for a moment. There really was a familiarity to the blend that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

“I want Tazuna to leave,” he stated.

Tazuna blinked. “Hey brat, what the hell do you mean by...”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed somewhat. “I consider this need to know.”

The bridge builder sighed and stood up, “I get it. I get it. More ninja stuff. I guess I’ll meet you back on the road or something...”

As Tazuna left, Sasuke added, “I’m not going to tell you anything that I believe to be sensitive information.”

The old man nodded in response. “Of course. You’re a ninja and you must maintain suspicion. I doubt you’ll tell me anything I won’t pick up within five minutes of meeting him.”

“He’s an orphan,” Sasuke began with all the calm collection of a ninja issuing a mission debriefing, “I doubt he knows anything about his clan. If he did he wouldn’t be able to shut up about it. He’s extremely loud and overconfident, and when his... beliefs are challenged, his normal response is to act even more obnoxious. His dream is to be Hokage.”

The grizzled priest rubbed his chin. “How old was he when he was orphaned?”

Sasuke frowned for a moment. “I believe he was orphaned during the Kyuubi attack.”

Shingi frowned deeply and asked the first of two more questions. “Does he know the identity of his parents?”

Sasuke frowned in thought. He didn’t really know the answer to the first, though if he had to make a guess he’d say no. Knowing Naruto’s personality and taking in account his ignorance of his own clan, something that to the eyes Uchiha was downright criminal, and the fact he never talked about them. “I do not believe so.”

The old man’s brow furrowed. “And how is he seen by the rest of the village?”

Sasuke took another sip of tea and glanced at it before closing his eyes and taking a deep smell. He knew that scent was one of the most primal sense possessed by man and he let the impression of it sink in. He recognized this scent. His eyes burst open and he looked at the old man carefully. “I will answer that question if you answer one of mine.”

“Yes, Uchiha-sama?”

“Where did you learn to make tea like my mother used to make it,” he all but demanded.

The old man smiled. Frankly, Sasuke wished he hadn’t. It was an unnatural sight that could probably terrify small children. “The question should be where did you mother learn to make the Uzumaki special blend?”

Sasuke blinked. “Special blend?”

He nodded. “That’s a minor clan secret you’re drinking there, and is only taught to those considered close friends or allies. Your mother must have been close friends with an Uzumaki to have been taught the secret.”

Sasuke blinked. That was not the answer he had expected, though as the old man had answered him, he would do so in turn. He paused for a moment, finishing his cup while thinking back. “On the whole they are passively antagonistic,” he replied, coolly, “Before I thought it had to be for a reason, possibly with a familial connection due to his general silence on the subject, but now I know that’s not the case.”

The old man nodded and his face twisted into a deep scowl. “I see.” he rubbed his chin, “Makes sense all things considered.”

“How,” Sasuke asked.

“That is not my business to tell,” he replied before quickly changing the subject “I thank you for your time, Uchiha-sama.”

Sasuke nodded. He’d have to consider that deeply. There had to be a reason why they hated Naruto and if it wasn’t his clan, it had to be something else. The old man obviously had figured it out based on the information he’d given which meant that he should probably be able to do the same.

Anyways, it was getting late. Slowly he stood up, but before he could move to leave, the old man coughed bringing his attention back to the priest.

“Please return with Uzumaki-sama whenever you feel is convenient. I shall be waiting,” he paused for a moment before adding, “And when you do return, I’ll be sure to teach you how to make a proper cup of tea.”

- 7 -

“Absolutely not,” Kakashi stated in a level, matter of fact tone.

Haku blinked in surprise. What?

“I will absolutely not recommend them for entrance to Konohagakure. My believe is that these three do not have what it takes to become ninja of the Leaf.”

Haku frowned. While she considered them, in all honesty, a matched set of boneheads it was her belief that they had some ability as ninja. Not much, but some. Otherwise Zabuza would never seen find to take them on as his subordinates. She took a breath and prepared to say as much but she was cut off before she could speak.

“We are dead!” Kari cried out, frantically. “We are so dead!”

“Oh, relax,” Rari said nervously, “All we need is a plan! Mou’s always got a plan, right?”

“Nope, I’m pretty much with mochi brains over here. We’re screwed. I’ve got nothing.”

“What the hell are you doing, Kakashi-sensei?” Naruto chimed in, “You’re asking Haku to abandon her comrades and those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum!”

“I know. And by their own admission, these three are worse than scum,” His eye narrowed. “When they believed Haku to be captured, what did they do?”

Naruto blinked. “They ran?”

“Exactly,” Kakashi replied. “They willfully chose to abandon a comrade to the custody of an enemy. Instead they spent time they should have used to plan and prepare for a rescue mission to burglarize Gato’s office and flee.”

Haku paused and glanced at the three. Well, yes. There was that, she admitted to herself.

“But you’re a Jonin!” Mou exclaimed, “And you got Mr. ‘One Man Army’ here with you!”

“What does that matter?” Kakashi asked calmly and without emotion, “A trio of Genin can find a way to get around even a Jonin if they put their minds to it. This is especially true of a team consisting entirely of members of the infamous Tesaki clan.”

“Tesaki clan?” Naruto replied, “What do you mean?”

“The Tesaki clan of Kirigakure are infamous in the ninja world,” Kakashi replied, darkly. “Their clan has never produced any famous shinobi and their members tend to be mediocre ninja. They have no jutsu of their own worth mentioning and real ability or talents save one: they steal.”

“Hey, we got some skills and jutsu!” Mou exclaimed.

“Come on, Mou, don’t piss off the Jonin,” Kuri warned, nervously.

Mou smacked his brother on the head and growled out, “Shut up you,” then glared at Rari, daring him to say, before turning back to Kakashi.

“You know a guy they call the Copy Cat is the last guy who should act so high and mighty about stealing! Hell, your village was cofounded by the freckin’ Uchiha, right?”

“I made Jonin at age twelve,” Kakashi hissed, “I was a prodigy in my own right long before I was given this eye. As for the Uchiha, even without the Sharingan they were still highly gifted ninja. You clan on the other hand never had any tool, any ability that was not first snatched from the hands of far more worthy shinobi.”

He paused.

“But ultimately all of that is inconsequential because you didn’t even bother to try. If you had you’d have seen that she wasn’t a prisoner. All you had to do was look, but instead you looted the hideout and ran. You abandoned your comrade without even a second thought,” Kakashi took a deep breath, and looked at them with complete contempt, and with all the weight of a judge delivering a final verdict, he said, “You three are lower than scum and as far as I am concerned, you’re not worthy of being ninja.”

Haku frowned. “While I admit I am not... personally fond of these three they are now my subordinates which means I am responsible for them. I cannot in good conscience abandon them.”

“Feeling’s mutual,” Mou snapped, before glaring at Kakashi, “You know, you keep going on and on about abandoning our comrades but since when has Haku been our comrade?”

Haku recoiled as if struck. That was why they abandoned her so quickly, because she was no longer of use to them? She could understand. She’d been happy to be Zabuza’s tool. To be his to use and discard as he saw fit, but being seen as a tool by these three was different. It was somewhat insulting really. Zabuza was an excellent ninja who had pulled her from nothing. They were just three idiots who never would have amounted to anything without her sensei’s mentorship.

Of course, on top of the insult was the injury. Yes, they’d seen her as a tool and when she’d become a liability they discarded her. She’d long expected this, only she’d always expected to not survive the process. But she had, and now she was quickly coming to realize that being discarded hurt.

“Enough!” Kakashi stated harshly, “You are of course well within your rights to appeal my decision directly with the Hokage but this discussion is over.”

- 7 - 7 -

What the hell was going on here? Sasuke wondered to himself as he looked into the living room of Tazuna’s house.

The drunk had, of course, decided to go to the bar and have a celebratory drink. After all, the town was still reveling in Gato’s recent defeat and the man apparently needed alcohol the way normal people need water and oxygen.

He’d decided not to babysit the old man and went back to the house. He’d expected to see Sakura but she was nowhere to be found. Instead when he went inside he found Naruto and Haku sitting across from the table from three almost identical looking Kiri ninja. The tension in the air was so thick it could have been cut with a knife.

He’d been hoping to simply slip in, taunt the moron a bit, and drop a couple hints that they needed to do some training in the woods tomorrow. Instead he’d walked into this shit.

Naruto looked stuck somewhere between shock and rage. Haku looked lost. And the three Kiri nin? Well they looked like they’d just been diagnosed with some form of terminal disease.

Which also raised the question of who the hell were these people?

After a moment he decided to articulate his feelings of the matter in the most clear and concise manner he considered appropriate.

“Huh?”

Slowly, Naruto turned and glanced up at him. “Oh, it’s you. What do you want, douchebag.”

Sasuke rolled his eyes, “How about you begin by telling me who are they?” He glanced at the trio of ninja.

“Oh they’re...”

“Excuse me!”

Sasuke looked behind himself and stepped out of the way as a clone of Naurto ran past him holding a sealing scroll.

“Coming through!” the clone exclaimed before sliding to a stop in front of Naruto. “I got the change, here you...”

“Give it to Kakashi,” Naruto snapped. “He’s in his room.”

“You sure boss?”

“Tell him I don’t want his filthy money.”

Sasuke blinked. The fuck?

“Uh, okay...” the clone slowly slipped away looking extremely confused.

“Alright, dumbass, who the hell are they?”

“Zabuza’s genin team,” Naruto muttered.

Sasuke frowned. That had to have sucked.

“Yeah, I know,” Naruto muttered, “That’s how I felt when I heard.”

“How do you think we felt...” one of the trio muttered, “Hi kids, here’s your new sensei, the Demon of the Mist. Try not to die!”

“Don’t speak ill of Zabuza-sama!” Haku snapped.

“Oh shut up. You weren’t much better! It it wasn’t Psycho-sensei, then it was his creepy sidekick!”

“C-creepy sidekick?!” Haku flushed.

“Yeah! You dressed like a girl, told everyone you were a guy, and told everyone you were his tool!”

“Yeah. Left us wondering if Zabuza had any strange fetishes we had to worry about...”

Haku jumped to her feet. “If you three disrespect his memory one more time I’ll...”

“You’ll what?”

Sasuke activated his Sharingan as one of the brothers began to run through a series of hand signs...

Boar

Dog

Bird

Monkey

Ram

...but whatever technique he was looking to perform was halted when feminine screech rattled through the building from outside.

Sasuke blinked. Again, “Huh?”

The door to their Sensei’s room slid open and he walked past looking surprisingly cheerful, ignoring the baleful looks he was getting from basically everyone, and twirling the scroll that Naruto’s clone had brought him only moments before. “That must be Sakura-chan!”

The door crashed open and the sight he saw would stick with him for the rest of his life. It was Sakura, red faces, wild eyes, and more exhausted than he’d ever seen her. She was quivering where she stood, struggling with each step and panting like a dog left in the summer sun. She was coated head to toe in mud, sand, and algae while body was soaked with odorous combination of sweat and stagnant salt water that could probably curdle milk.

Slowly, and carefully, she stepped in fighting to keep upright and awake.

Sasuke blinked in shock. “Sakura?”

“You’re late!” Kakashi remarked. “How was your run?”

“I... I couldn’t finish,” she gasped. “I don’t know how I... got all this way...”

“Ah,” Kakashi said with a serene smile, “I’ve heard of cases like this. Sometimes the will is so strong that it can drive your body forward even when your mind has shut down from exhaustion. I have to compliment your dedication, but next time I want you to come back on time and fully conscious.”

She went ghost white, leaving Sasuke to wonder what he’d ordered her to do. “Next time?”

“Ma ma, don’t think of that...” Kakashi replied, waving it off. “I got something special for you. After all that hard work you could probably use a hearty meal.”

She flushed. “N-no no, sensei. I’ll be fine with some rice and vegetables...”

Kakashi flipped open the scroll and unsealed the contents. Inside was something Sasuke hadn’t expected. Two full meal platters of Tonkatsu. Large ones with all of the fixings. Even, he noted with a greedy eye, small salads each of which was graced with several delicious looking cheery tomatoes.

“Thought you’d be hungry so I make sure to get this especially for you...”

Sakura looked at it, almost hypnotized for a long moment, drool slowly running down her chin before a great sound resounded through the room. It was like some great beast, some monster from the pits of hell had awoken and was ready to lay waste to the realm of mortals. It came from Sakura’s stomach.

The girl leapt for the table, pushing two of the Kiri genin out of her way as she assaulted one of the breaded pork cutlets with the savagery of a starving animal. Meat and rice vanished down her gullet and she tore into it with wild abandon.

And sitting off to the side, completely neglected were the salads.

A small rumble resounded through Sasuke’s own stomach. While he’d had a very pleasant cup of tea, he hadn’t eaten since lunch and he could use maybe just a little something as a pick me up.

Glancing side to side, he slowly snaked his hand forward, intent on claiming one of the tiny red treasures for his very own. After all, who would miss one little tomato...

Sakura growled like an animal before grabbing one of the chopsticks laying discarded off to the side. Her speed was beyond anything he’d ever thought her capable of. He was fortunate to have had his Sharingan active for even with it, he was only just able to keep his hand from getting spiked to the table.

Even if his Sharingan hadn’t been active, he’d have remembered that sight until his dying day. Her green eyes had almost glowed with an unholy fire and with the filth and fatigue laid upon her combined with the savage need embodied by her feeding frenzy, she looked like some kind of demon.

“Mine!" her voice was low, guttural, and somewhat terrifying.

Needless to say, he kept his hands to himself from then on.

Seeing that her food was safe, with a pretense at dignity, she wrenched the chopstick from the table, and taking the other in hand, she delicately ate the very tomato he’d been targeting in an unwitting parody of barbarian civility.

Kakashi simply leaned back and smiled with pride.

- 7 - 7 - 7 -

To say that Uzumaki Naruto was in a foul mood would be something of an understatement.

To say that it was an understatement would be an understatement.

Actually, to say that it being an understatement was an understatement would be an... well... you get the point.

Today had started out fun, gotten interesting, and rapidly turned to shit.

It had been so great at first. He’d helped Haku put on her breast bindings, which he had to admit was amazing. He’s learned new jutsu and had been promised even more new Jutsu. He’d found out his awesome pranking skills were equally awesome ninja skills, and he’d met three guys who while kinda, well, idiots were actually kind of fun.

Then Kakashi’s burst in, ruined it all, and it turned out those three guys were kind of jerks. Haku was upset, they were depressed, and he wanted to scream. And worse of all. Worst of all, that douchebag asshole prick bastard of a teammate of his was simply sitting off to the side looking all so smug.

Naruto glared at Sasuke for a moment who simply shook his head.

“Dumbass, I need you on task tomorrow,” he said bluntly. “Maybe rather than sitting around feeling sorry about yourself you should do something about it.”

“No shit,” Naruto growled. Literally growled. He swore if he was any more annoyed he’d probably be leaking the Kyubi’s chakra. “You got any ideas, asshole?”

“That’s not my problem, moron,” Sasuke replied, as he stood up. “I really don’t care. Just don’t expect me to sit through your pity party.”

Naruto blinked. Well, he doubted he’d be getting any sympathy from Sasuke, but as much as he wanted to punch the smug clear off his face. Still, as much as it utterly gauled Naruto, Sasuke was right.

He glared Sasuke left to the guest room that he was sadly being forced to share with the prick, and then turned his eyes to the three Mist genin.

“What’s your problem?” Naruto exclaimed. “What the hell do you mean Haku-chan was never your comrade?!”

Mou sneered, “What? You need to screw your ears on or something? She never was. Hell, she never even told us she was a girl! How’s that for trust!”

“That was on Zabuza’s orders,” Haku replied, glaring back. “It was not my decision.”

“Yeah, come on, Mou,” Rari said, “Give her a break...”

“You want a break?” Mou asked.

“Yeah!”

Mou punched Rari in the face.

“Argh! My nose!”

“There’s your break.”

“Stop this foolishness immediately!” Haku exclaimed.

“Or what,” Mou replied, “We did what you said because Psycko-sensei would of kill us if we didn’t, and now the bastard's dead.”

Haku clenched her fist, but Naruto quickly moved his hand on top of hers.

“Don’t be such a jerk!” Kuri explained, “Nyah! Listen, Haku, I know you were Zabuza-sensei’s...”

“Uke,” Mou interjected.

Naruto twitched. How the hell did that work? Haku’s a girl!

Haku growled. “Mou, if you say another word, I’ll kill you myself.”

“Go ahead!” he exclaimed, “We’re fucking dead anyways! We’ve been screwed since the moment they announced who our sensei was!” He pointed his finger at her, “You know, up until you caught us we were home free. But I guess you just had to fuck us over just one more for old time’s sake...”

“Come on,” Naruto cut in, “No-brows was a strong ninja! I’m sure he had lots to teach you.”

“Sure he did,” Kuri replied, with a frown, “But doesn’t mean he ever did.”

Haku scowled, “Your inability to learn what Zabuza-sama had to teach was hardly his responsibility.”

Mou rolled his eyes, “The hell would you know, Dakimakura-chan...”

Naruto twitched. Alright. That’s it.

“Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!”

In a burst of smoke, a half dozen Naruto’s had pulled Mou away from the table and were beating him into a pulp.

The door to Tsunami’s room slid open and the woman glared at them. “Naruto! What are you doing? Cease this nonsense immedarly!”

Naruto flushed and the clones burst. “Sorry, Tsunami-neechan...”

“Ugh,” Moe groaned, “Thanks lady...”

She crossed her arms. “And why did you feel it was necessary to start a fight in my house?”

“Well, he called Haku-chan ‘Dakimakura-chan’...”

Tsunami blinked, paused, and then glowered at Mou. “Next time, take him out side of the house...”

“Hold on a...”

Tsunami glared at him. It was that really scary glare that she used when Kakashi-sensei did something stupid and perverted. Mou shut up.

“We will remember that, Tsunami-san,” Haku replied, a small smile on her face as she gave Mou a promising look. The promise in his case being one of pain.

Mou glared impotently in response.

“Ah, don’t give her that look,” Kari interjected, “You had that one coming...”

Mou growled at his brother and lifted his fist. “You want to see something coming?”

Naruto coughed to get the other Genin’s attention and formed the hand seal for the Kage Bunshin with a small smile on his face. Mou quickly lowered his fist and seemingly deflated.

“So, Mou, did you actually have a point?” Haku asked coolly.

“All Psy...” Naruto coughed again. “Zabuza-sensei ever really did was chase us around with his sword, let his dumbfuck fanboys use us as punching bags, and have you drill us on was our sealing arts.”

“That’s because you three are useless with any of the standard shinobi skills,” Haku replied, “Your coordination is awful, your chaka is weak, your ability to cooperate is hampered by the fact that the three of you bicker like infants, and the less said about your ability with a sword the better...”

That’s because should have never been a team,” Kari cut in, rubbing his nose.

Karu gawked, “Rari, why do you mean? Don’t say that!”

“I’ve done a lot of thinking about this,” he admitted, “I mean look at us. Three members of the same clan all with the same skill set on a single team. How often do you see that?”

Mou nodded. “For once, the bonehead here’s right about something.”

Haku frowned. “Alright, Rari, please explain.”

“We’re all members of the Tesaki clan,” he began, “We’re the clan who sealed the Sanbi into Yagura. Zabuza-sensei never really wanted us as a team, he just wanted access to the stuff we knew. He had you force us to cram our family arts...”

Naruto frowned for a moment. “Wait, didn’t you guys say something about the Uzumaki?”

“Um. I mean the sealing arts... Um... well... he made us steal a diagram of Yagura’s seal and cram until we could understand at least some bits of it...”

“That’s right!” Kuri added in, “Then he forced to to try and make him a counter seal and use it to try and kill the Mizukage!”

Mou frowned. “We were never anything to him. We were just tools to be used, just like her...” he glanced at Haku.

“Haku wasn’t a tool!” Naruto cut in, “He cared about her!”

“Well good for Haku,” Mou snapped.

“He protected you,” Haku replied, “And believe it or not he did attempt to teach you. If he had considered you that disposable do you really think he would have bothered to protect you all this time? Do you really think he would have put up with your nonsense for this long?”

“Doesn’t change the fact that because of him we’ve lost our home and family,” Kuri said bitterly, “He didn’t ask for our help, he forced us and we lost everything.”

Kuri nodded. “And you never, ever, tried to be our friend. All you ever did was scream at us for Zabuza-sensei!”

“Yeah,” Mou nodded. “I’ve heard you go on and on about your precious people crap a couple times. Well, Haku, were we ever your ‘Precious People’, or were we just three stooges you kept an eye on for ‘Goshujin-sama’.”

Naruto gritted his teeth. Alright asshole, you’ve been warned. He pulled his hands into his trademark hand seal but was cut off when Haku grabbed his hands.

“What?”

“He’s right,” Haku admitted, “And I am ashamed to admit it. I did not realize.”

“Yeah, well you were too busy following around Psycho-sensei, sniffing his ass like a lost bit...”

Haku let go of Naruto’s hands.

“Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!”

- 7 - 7 - 7 -

Pakkun silently hopped through the open window to find the Jonin casually reclining and reading one of his books. Sparing a glance, Kakashi shifted his gaze back to the book and turned the page.

“You know, you could at least look at me when I give you a report,” Pakkun snarked. Seriously, Kakashi was so damned lackadaisical about everything. It was probably why he didn’t like to let him touch the pads of his cute little paws.

“Ma ma, Pakkun, Sasuke’s back alive and well so I know he didn’t run into anything that dangerous,” he turned the page again, “Still, anything interesting to report?”

“Yes, actually,” Pakkun replied.

Kakashi glanced up and closed his book, moving to a more focused stance. He was actually paying full attention now. That that he wasn’t aware before. Seriously, the man fought better than most nin could ever hope to while nose deep in pornography.

“He was trailing Tazuna-san,” Pakkun replied, “They skirted the edge of the swamp for several miles before reaching a dilapidated shrine. There he met the shrine priest, an equally dilapidated old man. They conversed for a moment, but when Sasuke moved in closer he was intercepted by the priest.”

“Hm,” Kakashi thought, “Retired shinobi?”

“That is my guess,” Pakkun replied, “He used Shunshin no Jutsu to cut off Sasuke’s retreat and then after a moment’s conversation, marched him into the shrine.”

Kakashi scowled. “Was Sasuke in any danger?”

“If he had been I’d have come back for you,” Pakkun replied, “They seemed to just be drinking tea. He wasn’t under any duress. If anything the boy seemed to be enjoying himself.”

Kakashi nodded. “I see. What would you say his skill level was?”

“He performed the Body Flicker without the use of hand seals, but I didn’t see any other jutsu performed.”

“Tokujo or higher,” Kakashi replied, “Were you detected?”

Pakkun paused for a moment and then shook his head. “Probably not. Considering the speed at which he caught Sasuke, there was a high probability of detection seals. I kept my distance. I didn’t know if they’d pick up a ninken, but I didn’t want to have to explain myself.”

Kakashi leaned back and nodded. “Alright. So, nothing out of the ordinary?”

“Tazuna left a few minutes before Sasuke, but they seemed to just be talking. When Sasuke left he seemed to be in a better mood than I’d seen him,” Pakkun paused and thought back to his impression of Sasuke, “Well, ever...”

“You think he’s authentic?” Kakashi asked.

Pakkun nodded again. “Yes. I did a sweep out of the area. No signs of movement via any of the standard shinobi vectors and there was absolutely no sign of the priest's scene outside the grounds.

Kakashi simply nodded. “Doesn’t seem like anything’s amiss.”

Pakkun knew it was not uncommon for Shinobi to turn away from the ninja lifestyle retire to the priesthood, often due to disillusion, trauma, or simple age. Trading in one’s hitai-ate for a priests robes was one of the most surefire ways to leave a village without being declared a missing nin. Abusing that trust was also one of the fastest ways to earn the ire of not just the targeted nation, but the shinobi world as a whole.

“Though I’ll have to stop by and share a cup of tea with the old man just to get his measure.”

Of course, while it might be a culturally accepted means of retirement, it didn’t mean that you weren’t careful. Ninja must be ninja after all.

- 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 -

My world is pain.

Those were the words floating through Sakura’s head as she floated in the bathtub like a dead fish. Had she been able to see herself, she’d have been reminded of her late but not forgotten pet, Kingyo-san who’d been lost to childish inattention when she was five.

What happened? She was simply too tired and in too much pain to think straight. She couldn’t wrap her mind around everything, forcing her to walk herself through it step by step.

With nothing but a casual smile and a nod her sensei had sent her on that death run. The sadist had obviously been aware of but unconcerned with the pain and suffering it would cause her. She’d gotten all sweaty and stinking and fallen into the swamp! And then sensei had given her that food and she’d been so hungry she went crazy!

She hated her sensei for what he’d done! That food had been so fatty she wouldn’t even be able to eat tomorrow without ruining her diet! And... And...

And it got worse. Sasuke had seen her.

Her eyes went wide as she was filled with horror. Oh Kami. Sasuke.

She actually started to cry as she realized what had happened. She’d almost hurt Sasuke! She’s almost stabbed him in the hand with a chopstick over a stupid tomato!

“Kakashi-sensei!” She sobbed, “You bastard!”

Because of him Sasuke would hate her! He’d ruined everything!

“Things just can’t get any worse!” she bawled, before pausing for just a moment as a strange sensation ran down her back.

What was that ominous feeling?

- 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 -

“And then after I got finished kicking Mou’s ass, my clones drug him back into the house and we had a talk!” Naruto exclaimed, “Everybody decided to give it another try! I mean, Haku said that she’d try seeing them for them and to protect them for real and not just because Zabuza said so and they said that they’d try and see her for her and not just as Zabuza’s... well... ‘creepy sidekick’. So it turns out that it was just a giant misunderstanding because none of them saw each other as friends!”

Kakashi sighed. Here he’d been, peacefully reading his book and then his favorite Genin, not that he’d ever tell him that, burst in and went into a long rant about the conversation he’d had with the idiot brothers and his hot girlfriend.

“No,”

Naruto looked shocked. “Oh, come on, Kakashi-sensei! Please! Give them another chance! Please!”

“No.”

“But they’re friends now and they’re not really lower than scum at all!” Naruto was starting to look desperate.

“No.”

Naruto looked at him in shock. “W-why not.”

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed as old resentment started to well up from inside him. “I wasn’t aware that a Jonin was required to explain his logic to his subordinates. In fact, the Shinobi code clearly states the contrary.”

Naruto’s look of betrayal made him fight a wince. But then the boy spoke, and that really made him grit his teeth. “Then I guess I’m trash, aren’t I Kakashi-sensei,” Naruto replied, “But if I did what you said, then I’d be worse than trash, so here I am. Why?” he explained, “Why won’t you change your mind?”

Kakashi stood in place for a long moment and then sighed, “The Tesaki clan,” he admitted, “I despise them more than any others and will never be able to trust any of its members.”

Naruto blinked. “Wait, you hate them because of their family?”

He nodded. “Yes. Your family in many way shapes who and what you are, not only as ninja but as people in general. To me, in my mind, there is no family, no single clan of ninja in the entirety of the Elemental Countries as cruel, as dishonorable, as utterly loathsome as the Tesaki clan. I cannot in good conscious suggest that three members of that vile clan be permitted to...” he paused for a moment before almost spitting the word, “Defile Konohagakure by becoming Ninja of the Leaf.”

Naruto was silent for a long moment and for a split second Kakashi hoped that Naruto would understand his feelings and let it drop.

He should have known better.

“W-what did they do, Kakashi-sensei?”

Kakashi sighed and closed his eye. He took a deep breath and fought down the emotions welling up from inside him. This was not something he wished to talk about, rather it was something that had haunted him for years. It was one of the things that had made him into the man he was today and not for the better.

“Naruto, let me tell you about one of my teammates. Her name was Nohara Rin...”

 

[datakim]

So Kakashi hates these guys simply because they are associated with the people that killed Rin, even though these guys were probably not even born. Hmm, can't say its admirable. Though I guess I can understand why Kakashi is so upset.

On the other hand, it occurs to me that Naruto should realistically be pretty sympathetic to them. Afterall, Kakashi hates them not because of anything they did, but because they are associated with Rins killers, who he hates.

Just like everyone in Konoha hates Naruto, not because of anything he did, but because he is "associated" with Kyuubi, someone the villagers hate. I wonder actually what Kakashi would say, if Naruto pointed that out and asked Kakashi if he hates him too. And what would Kakashi say if Naruto asked why not, and pointed out the hypocrisy of it.

So the Uzumaki guy figured out the truth about Kyuubi. I guess that makes sense, though I wonder if it will lead to Sasuke figuring out the truth too. You still have to explain why this guy offered no help though.

 

[KurokamiDG]

“On the whole they are passively antagonistic,” he replied, coolly,

slight error here.

The sadist

and one right here too.

Anyway, I'm liking just how you're integrating the new stuff into this version. Didn't think that the Tesaki clan would've been responsible for the sealing with Rin though. That's a interesting little twist right there.

And you've successfully highlighted just how useless the three are and how much animosity they possessed for Zabuza; or at least how much Mou hated him.


I really

 

[Psyckosama]

So Kakashi hates these guys simply because they are associated with the people that killed Rin, even though these guys were probably not even born. Hmm, can't say its admirable. Though I guess I can understand why Kakashi is so upset.

On the other hand, it occurs to me that Naruto should realistically be pretty sympathetic to them. Afterall, Kakashi hates them not because of anything they did, but because they are associated with Rins killers, who he hates.

Just like everyone in Konoha hates Naruto, not because of anything he did, but because he is "associated" with Kyuubi, someone the villagers hate. I wonder actually what Kakashi would say, if Naruto pointed that out and asked Kakashi if he hates him too. And what would Kakashi say if Naruto asked why not, and pointed out the hypocrisy of it.

Trying to make it clear that even the good guys have their petty hatreds and biases.

So the Uzumaki guy figured out the truth about Kyuubi.

Considering he was around when Kushina was sent to Konoha its not hard to figure out.

I guess that makes sense, though I wonder if it will lead to Sasuke figuring out the truth too.

Keep reading.

You still have to explain why this guy offered no help though.

And I might just, eventually....

“On the whole they are passively antagonistic,” he replied, coolly,

slight error here.

The sadist

and one right here too.

Thanks

Anyway, I'm liking just how you're integrating the new stuff into this version. Didn't think that the Tesaki clan would've been responsible for the sealing with Rin though. That's a interesting little twist right there.

That's actually half the reason for the Rewrite. I basically abandoned the original version after all the big secrets involving the Uzumaki came out... and since then I'm looking for ways to incorporate the newer volumes and information into the story

And you've successfully highlighted just how useless the three are and how much animosity they possessed for Zabuza; or at least how much Mou hated him.

Oh, none of them liked the man at all, just Mou is by far the most naturally spiteful of the three.

I really

You really what?

 

[datakim]

Trying to make it clear that even the good guys have their petty hatreds and biases.

Oh I have no problem with that. Kakashi is not the peace obsessed Jiraiya. I can see he could hold a grudge. Should be interesting to see how Naruto, who has not been exposed to Jiraiya will react to Kakashi blaming innocents though.

Considering he was around when Kushina was sent to Konoha its not hard to figure out.

Yeah. Uzumaki apparently make the best hosts. Or was it that only Uzumaki will do (or is that part fanon). Does the guy realise Kushina is Narutos mother then, or were there other Uzumaki around? Presumably he would know that Kushina was a jinchuuriki, and that the seal weakens during birth. That would be a very big clue, especially if Kushinas relationship with Minato was not a secret.

Keep reading.

Even knowing about Naruto being an Uzumaki should have major effects. One of the reasons Sasuke defected to Orochimaru was because Naruto was matching him, despite being last in the academy. Presumably that would not be as soul-crushing now that he knows more about the Uzumaki, even if he never figures about Kyuubi.

 

[QE1]

Naruto frowned for a moment. “Wait, didn’t you guys say something about the Uzumaki?”

“Um. I mean the sealing arts... Um... well... he made us steal a diagram of Yagura’s seal and cram until we could understand at least some bits of it...”

The reference to the Uzumaki came in the last chapter, right? Cuz I don't think I saw one in this chapter.

Also, even if Kakashi is biased against them, those 3 really have nothing going for them aside for the fact they can potentially remember a bit of Yagura's seal. Even then, Kakashi could act like a ninja and deceive them into giving him the information. I think they will somehow make it back to Konoha but if they become leaf ninjas despite being failures I'll be disappointed.

 

[Stormfury]

Dakimakura-chan.

Translate this. Do not leave it in Japanese.

Gratuitous Japanese only hurts a story.




Also, the first section with Sasuke drinking tea felt oddly out of place. Like... The purpose was clearly to start Sasuke's build up to finding out about how his mom and Naruto's mom were close friends, but drinking tea some strange old man gives you is something Sasuke probably wouldn't do. If you really want that kind of connection, I dunno, maybe just go by how it smells, or something? But actually drinking it seems odd to me.

 

[Psyckosama]

Dakimakura-chan.

Translate this. Do not leave it in Japanese.

Gratuitous Japanese only hurts a story.

Oh, I agree completely. The problem is that its not Gratuitous Japanese.

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!" instead of "Thank you very much".

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "nani?" instead of "What?".

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "Wakrimasu ka?" instead of "Do you understand"

Gratuitous Japanese is randomly inserting japanese words phrases into a fanfic that otherwise is entirely in English for no good reason.

Gratuitous Japanese is not calling Haku Dakimakura-chan.

First, calling her "Dutch Wife-chan" is lame and "Love Pillow-chan" doesn't really capture the full insult (and sounds really damned stupid). Second, I do not normally translate names except in the case of where failing to do so becomes redundant sound and annoying to the reader. Dakimakura-chan is a name, both as an object and in this case as a nickname.

I also used Goshujin-sama instead of master because, its a name, and because Sensei also translates to "Master" but in the case of Goshujin-sama is "Servant/Master" or "Slave/Owner" master instead of "Student/Teacher" master and I was intending for Mou to have basically implyed that Haku was Zabuza's slavegirl/boy/thing.

I'm not some brain damaged 14 year old fan girl who is writing fanfiction because "SEGOI! LIK OMG DEY ARE SOOO KAWWWWAAAIII TOGETR AND SHLUD BE A CUPPEL!" If I was, Haku would have been written as a guy and Sasuke's reaction to seeing them in the baths would have been hell of a lot more traumatizing... for the reader.

I might have some typos but on the whole I know what the fuck I'm doing.

 

[Psyckosama]

The reference to the Uzumaki came in the last chapter, right? Cuz I don't think I saw one in this chapter.

Chapter 5.

Also, even if Kakashi is biased against them, those 3 really have nothing going for them aside for the fact they can potentially remember a bit of Yagura's seal. Even then, Kakashi could act like a ninja and deceive them into giving him the information. I think they will somehow make it back to Konoha but if they become leaf ninjas despite being failures I'll be disappointed.

Before you make any judgement calls, what jutsu was one of them getting ready to use before Sakura burst in?

 

[KurokamiDG]

So Kakashi hates these guys simply because they are associated with the people that killed Rin, even though these guys were probably not even born. Hmm, can't say its admirable. Though I guess I can understand why Kakashi is so upset.

On the other hand, it occurs to me that Naruto should realistically be pretty sympathetic to them. Afterall, Kakashi hates them not because of anything they did, but because they are associated with Rins killers, who he hates.

Just like everyone in Konoha hates Naruto, not because of anything he did, but because he is "associated" with Kyuubi, someone the villagers hate. I wonder actually what Kakashi would say, if Naruto pointed that out and asked Kakashi if he hates him too. And what would Kakashi say if Naruto asked why not, and pointed out the hypocrisy of it.

Trying to make it clear that even the good guys have their petty hatreds and biases.

So the Uzumaki guy figured out the truth about Kyuubi.

Considering he was around when Kushina was sent to Konoha its not hard to figure out.

I guess that makes sense, though I wonder if it will lead to Sasuke figuring out the truth too.

Keep reading.

You still have to explain why this guy offered no help though.

And I might just, eventually....

“On the whole they are passively antagonistic,” he replied, coolly,

slight error here.

The sadist

and one right here too.

Thanks

Anyway, I'm liking just how you're integrating the new stuff into this version. Didn't think that the Tesaki clan would've been responsible for the sealing with Rin though. That's a interesting little twist right there.

That's actually half the reason for the Rewrite. I basically abandoned the original version after all the big secrets involving the Uzumaki came out... and since then I'm looking for ways to incorporate the newer volumes and information into the story

And you've successfully highlighted just how useless the three are and how much animosity they possessed for Zabuza; or at least how much Mou hated him.

Oh, none of them liked the man at all, just Mou is by far the most naturally spiteful of the three.

I really

You really what?

I'm really surprised at the fact that they have a summon.

 

[Psyckosama]

Oh I have no problem with that. Kakashi is not the peace obsessed Jiraiya. I can see he could hold a grudge. Should be interesting to see how Naruto, who has not been exposed to Jiraiya will react to Kakashi blaming innocents though.

You'll soon find out.

Yeah. Uzumaki apparently make the best hosts. Or was it that only Uzumaki will do (or is that part fanon). Does the guy realise Kushina is Narutos mother then, or were there other Uzumaki around? Presumably he would know that Kushina was a jinchuuriki, and that the seal weakens during birth. That would be a very big clue, especially if Kushinas relationship with Minato was not a secret.

Even knowing about Naruto being an Uzumaki should have major effects. One of the reasons Sasuke defected to Orochimaru was because Naruto was matching him, despite being last in the academy. Presumably that would not be as soul-crushing now that he knows more about the Uzumaki, even if he never figures about Kyuubi.

That one I really don't consider a spoiler.

When you're the last of the Uchiha, it's one thing to be surpassed by your rival, a dead last orphan idiot.

It means something is fucking wrong with you because he's your inferior and you're failing to live up to your name.

When you're the last of the Uchiha, it's a whole other other to be surpassed by your rival, last living member of the main branch of the Uzumaki clan.

It means that you need to work harder, not that you're failing to live up to your name because his is (almost) as great as yours.

I'm really surprised at the fact that they have a summon.

Remind me, what is their family best known for? B)

 

[KurokamiDG]

So naturally Sasuke will begin to have a bit more respect for Naruto, since he's pretty much in the same situation as him.

And hopefully he won't get too asshurt when Naruto starts to catch up to him.

They stole the Mizukage's clam summoning?

 

[Cooltony101neo]

"You clan on the other hand clan on the other hand never had any tool," more typos

 

[Psyckosama]

So naturally Sasuke will begin to have a bit more respect for Naruto, since he's pretty much in the same situation as him.

Pretty much.

And hopefully he won't get too asshurt when Naruto starts to catch up to him.

Nah, it just means he needs to try harder. He's obviously getting lazy.

They stole the Mizukage's clam summoning?

I'll give you partial credit...
[hr]

"You clan on the other hand clan on the other hand never had any tool," more typos

Caught that one myself after I posted.

Thanks.

 

[KurokamiDG]

partial? So I'm partially right?

 

[Psyckosama]

partial? So I'm partially right?

Their clan can summon. 3 guesses as to how they got the ability.

 

[KurokamiDG]

They stoled it?!

 

[Psyckosama]

They stoled it?!

Clever boy. Have a cigar.

 

[KurokamiDG]

But what confuses me is just what they would've summoned though. I mean, to actually have one of those summons actually answering the call would mean that whatever personal summon they would have would ultimately end up looking very pathetic.

Most likely they would use it as a distraction with the genjutsu, but any more than that is doubtful.

 

[QE1]

The reference to the Uzumaki came in the last chapter, right? Cuz I don't think I saw one in this chapter.

Chapter 5.

Also, even if Kakashi is biased against them, those 3 really have nothing going for them aside for the fact they can potentially remember a bit of Yagura's seal. Even then, Kakashi could act like a ninja and deceive them into giving him the information. I think they will somehow make it back to Konoha but if they become leaf ninjas despite being failures I'll be disappointed.

Before you make any judgement calls, what jutsu was one of them getting ready to use before Sakura burst in?

Got ya. Thanks.

 

[Stormfury]

Dakimakura-chan.

Translate this. Do not leave it in Japanese.

Gratuitous Japanese only hurts a story.

Oh, I agree completely. The problem is that its not Gratuitous Japanese.

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!" instead of "Thank you very much".

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "nani?" instead of "What?".

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "Wakrimasu ka?" instead of "Do you understand"

Gratuitous Japanese is randomly inserting japanese words phrases into a fanfic that otherwise is entirely in English for no good reason.

Gratuitous Japanese is not calling Haku Dakimakura-chan.

First, calling her "Dutch Wife-chan" is lame and "Love Pillow-chan" doesn't really capture the full insult (and sounds really damned stupid). Second, I do not normally translate names except in the case of where failing to do so becomes redundant sound and annoying to the reader. Dakimakura-chan is a name, both as an object and in this case as a nickname.

I also used Goshujin-sama instead of master because, its a name, and because Sensei also translates to "Master" but in the case of Goshujin-sama is "Servant/Master" or "Slave/Owner" master instead of "Student/Teacher" master and I was intending for Mou to have basically implyed that Haku was Zabuza's slavegirl/boy/thing.

I'm not some brain damaged 14 year old fan girl who is writing fanfiction because "SEGOI! LIK OMG DEY ARE SOOO KAWWWWAAAIII TOGETR AND SHLUD BE A CUPPEL!" If I was, Haku would have been written as a guy and Sasuke's reaction to seeing them in the baths would have been hell of a lot more traumatizing... for the reader.

I might have some typos but on the whole I know what the fuck I'm doing.

Then use an insult that will actually make sense to your readers, not one that 90+% will have no clue what it means.

 

[KurokamiDG]

Dakimakura-chan.

Translate this. Do not leave it in Japanese.

Gratuitous Japanese only hurts a story.

Oh, I agree completely. The problem is that its not Gratuitous Japanese.

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!" instead of "Thank you very much".

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "nani?" instead of "What?".

Gratuitous Japanese is saying "Wakrimasu ka?" instead of "Do you understand"

Gratuitous Japanese is randomly inserting japanese words phrases into a fanfic that otherwise is entirely in English for no good reason.

Gratuitous Japanese is not calling Haku Dakimakura-chan.

First, calling her "Dutch Wife-chan" is lame and "Love Pillow-chan" doesn't really capture the full insult (and sounds really damned stupid). Second, I do not normally translate names except in the case of where failing to do so becomes redundant sound and annoying to the reader. Dakimakura-chan is a name, both as an object and in this case as a nickname.

I also used Goshujin-sama instead of master because, its a name, and because Sensei also translates to "Master" but in the case of Goshujin-sama is "Servant/Master" or "Slave/Owner" master instead of "Student/Teacher" master and I was intending for Mou to have basically implyed that Haku was Zabuza's slavegirl/boy/thing.

I'm not some brain damaged 14 year old fan girl who is writing fanfiction because "SEGOI! LIK OMG DEY ARE SOOO KAWWWWAAAIII TOGETR AND SHLUD BE A CUPPEL!" If I was, Haku would have been written as a guy and Sasuke's reaction to seeing them in the baths would have been hell of a lot more traumatizing... for the reader.

I might have some typos but on the whole I know what the fuck I'm doing.

Then use an insult that will actually make sense to your readers, not one that 90+% will have no clue what it means.

You know...that's the beauty of the internet.

If you don't know what something means, you can easily look it up if you really wanna know it. Otherwise, one word isn't enough to warrant being called gratuitous Japanese.

And if not, then Psycko can can just put the meaning in a Author's note or something. I'm sure people will appreciate the creativity of the insult instead of immediately criticize him for using one unfamiliar word that just happens to be in Japanese. :sisi:

 

[Psyckosama]

Then use an insult that will actually make sense to your readers, not one that 90+% will have no clue what it means.

Not my fault you can't be bothered...

and BTW, everyone. Added a new scene.

 

[KurokamiDG]

he seemed to be in a better mood than I’d seen him in lately

Small mistake here.

 

[nuklear]

liked the new scene... looking forward to learning more about the priest