Father Figure

Note: As for Minato… well the general consensus is that people hate him. So I give up. I’ll make him into the villain. Although there are bigger fish to fry in the fiction… as you’ll find.

We Can Be Strong
Chapter 3

There are many terms to describe Naruto, enigmatic, charming, sincere, pure, brilliant, sweet, honest, shocking, amazing, mysterious, open, delightful, engaging, appealing , kind, adorable, pleasant, attractive, thoughtful, and good-natured. However at the moment only one word came to Kakashi’s mind. Annoying.

Naruto was rubbing the scratch marks on his face as he walked with his team back to the mission’s office, cargo in hand. Carting the beast around was troublesome as Shikamaru would put it, but Sakura had refused to carry it, Sasuke didn’t want to mar his beautiful mug, and he didn’t even bother to ask Kakashi knowing the answer already.

“Why is it that we can’t go on a more difficult mission? Is it my father? Is it? Is he the one pulling the strings? We’ll never progress unless we try something a little more challenging. I mean weeding gardens, baby sitting and rescuing cats is a blast, don’t get me wrong, but there’s just something about having to wash your uniform every day because of bodily liquids other than blood that kinda irks me.”

Kakashi rolled his one visible eye, tuning out the teen while Sasuke and Sakura internally agreed with Naruto’s prognosis. Kakashi could feel a head ache coming on and if the pounding he was currently feeling was only the beginning he knew this was going to be a big one.

“I’m not one for complaining usually, but I’d like at least one day where I wouldn’t have to clean vomit from my clothing.” Naruto said, pointedly looking at Sakura.

Catching the look she guiltily looked back, before tilting her head to the side. “What? Oh come on! It was one time ok! And you smelled like pus filled baby diapers.”

“You really did smell like something had died on you Dobe... something that had been festering colonies of growth for a while at that.”Sasuke said with a smirk.

“Fine. Let’s see you guys deal with garbage duty next time then. You can go searching through mounds of crap to find someone’s lost wedding ring. I mean I found it didn’t I?”

“Yes. Yes you did. Well done.” Kakashi said, a smile hiding underneath his mask.

Naruto glared towards the form of his sensei, before quirking the corner of his lips, attempting to stop himself from smiling. Despite the fact that the team had been doing mundane mission they really were important for team dynamics, and he was getting along well with Sasuke and Sakura. They had even taken to joining him for lunch on a few occasions. Even if Naruto had to wade through a million garbage piles it would be worth it, because had finally felt like he had friends who could recognize him for who he was instead of who he was connected to.

“Pervert.”

“Brat.”

Kakashi stared down the teen for a few moments before grinning and pulling the teen into a headlock. Naruto flailed for a few seconds for show, before slipping from the hold with ease. Kakashi had taken to attacking the teen’s with various holds throughout their training at random intervals to teach them methods of escape. Despite the level of training some ninja received, taijutsu was one of the lesser taught subjects, unless of course you happened to be Maito Gai’s student. Despite its use in training, Kakashi also enjoyed using it to piss of his students. Sasuke would always pout and growl at the more difficult holds, while Sakura had taken to spouting obstinacies at her sensei. Naruto would generally take it in good nature, sometimes even attempting to reverse the situation, and ultimately failing, something which amused the jounin to no end.

Kakashi gave Naruto’s hair a small ruffling before stepping away again. It was tough not to grow attached to the blonde. Although quiet at first the teen had begun to start opening up to his team members, showing his more playful side. He was a ball of energy, always on the go, enthusiastic and exhausting, but he kept the team laughing and brought them together. It was going to be hard with this group. Letting them go and become their own ninja’s, knowing that they would be off on missions that could mean the end of their lives, but it was enjoyable to see them as they were now, untainted by the horrors of the world, happy, carefree and innocent. It would change for them, but Kakashi would enjoy every moment of their innocence while it lasts, because in a flash it would be gone.

“Ma. If you want a different mission so badly why don’t you ask for one yourselves. You wanna wear the big ninja panties then you’re going to have to earn them.” Kakashi said with a grin, leading the group towards the assignment office.

“You and your panties, pervert.” Naruto muttered.

Sasuke’s lip twitched slightly but he staved off any emotion that would dare cross his face that wasn’t in the form of a glare or smirk. Sakura let out a muffled giggle, turning her head away from Kakashi to
avoid his wrath.

‘Yes. This was the Naruto I remember.’ Kakashi thought with a groan. ‘What happened to that shy but confident boy I met a few weeks ago? They grow up so fast, look... he’s already in the rebellious stage.’ Kakashi mused, looking back towards the boy mocking him. ‘The brat.’

Despite Kakashi’s complaining he was fond of all of his students, especially Naruto. It was nice to see the boy, he was there when he was just born, to when he was growing up. It regretted the mission that took him away from the boy, but was happy to see that he still harboured a piece of that boy that he had known. That strong boy he had always secretly admired.

“I say we do it.” Sakura said with confidence.

“So we’re going to ask for a higher mission?”

“A C ranked would be a nice change.” Sasuke remarked.

“A C? Why not a B? Or even an A?” Naruto thought out loud.

“Sure. And while we’re at it why don’t we just do an S ranked, dobe. Come on. We’re only genin. We’d never get assigned a mission of that level.” Sasuke said with a scoff.

“I know, but a man can dream can’t he?”

“Yeah, but only in your dream’s Naruto.” Sakura said, allowing a tiny bit of her pink tongue to peek out from between her lips.

Naruto pouted as Sakura and Sasuke had a laugh at his expense, while Kakashi watched on in amusement.

“We’re here brats. Now get into begging position, because you’ll be doing all the work here today.”

The three genin entered in anticipation, holding their breathes as they entered into the building. They were ready and willing to do whatever it took to get a higher ranked mission. They wanted... no they needed it.

Just as team seven entered though the door they were greeted with a brilliant smile, and a flash of blonde hair. “Kakashi! Just the man I was looking for, I’ve got a mission that needs to be taken care of immediately by your team. It’s an escort mission to the country of wave, we have no one else available at the moment, and I figure it could do your team some good to get out.” Minato said with a wink.

“What ranking is it sir?” Sasuke asked.

“A C mission. Nothing special, but at least you’ll be getting out of the village eh?” He said with a smile, looking towards Naruto.

Sakura and Sasuke were all smiles, while Naruto remained silent. His ears only perking when they were introduced to their client. He didn’t even bother to retort when the man insulted his size, as well as his ability. Not even as they separated to gather their belongs did Naruto say a word. It wasn’t until they had left the village that the weight on Naruto’s shoulder’s seemed to have been lifted, allowing him to un-tense.

Sakura had pulled him back from the group to ask him what was wrong. “Nothing really Sakura. I just felt werid in there. It was like he did it for me, but he was trying too hard to pass it off as something that had just come up. I can’t help but feel that he specially picked us for this, but he was attempting to be modest for me. It just gave me the chills.”

Sakura nodded her head. “Yeah. I sorta felt like that too. Maybe he didn’t want anyone to think that he was showing preference for you.”

“Yeah. Or maybe he just wanted me out of the village.”

“Naruto!” Sakura scolded.

“What? I mean it’s true. Who wants their demon son hanging out here all the time?”

Sakura quieted at that, “You’re not like that.”

“How do you know? How do you know I’m not the demon huh? How do you know that I’m not just trying to trick you like all the other’s before I strike when you least expect it? Huh?!” Naruto hissed.

Sakura looked away from Naruto’s piercing gaze, and shuffled her feet. “You just aren’t. Ok? Or was that story you told us a trick too? About the fox demon who was just looking for a companion, only to be shunned by everyone... Why are you trying to push me away Naruto? I want to be your friend.” Sakura pleaded, grabbing and hold of Naruto arm and pulling him into a hug.

The teen stiffened at the arms that came around his shoulders, but relaxed when he realized Sakura meant him no harm. ‘A friend. I haven’t had one of those in a long time.’ Naruto thought sadly. ‘But maybe I’ll have some new ones, ones who’ll stick with me this time.’ He thought looking towards Sasuke, looking back at the two with an odd expression on his face, while Kakashi appeared to be smiling at the interaction.

“I’d like that. I’d like to be your friend.” Naruto whispered into Sakura’s ear and hugging her back.

Sakura’s face broke out into a brilliant smile. She was happy to have another friend, despite her beauty she remained alone for most of her childhood, friendless until Ino came along. Even then she had lost her best friend over a stupid Uchiha rivalry. It was pointless, and the first thing Sakura was going to do once she got back to Konoha was make up with her, there was no reason for her to lose a best friend over a rivalry with a boy who she very much doubted even liked girls. Ino could have Sasuke for all Sakura cared. After all, she had a whole clan to look through for her own.

Sakura smiled as Naruto released her from the hug, and began back on the path. Tazuna muttering something about children with hormone’s while Naruto and Sakura flushed. Sakura had no interest in Naruto in that way. Don’t get her wrong, he was a cute, but there’s something to be said about dating a boy who’s prettier than you are. Naruto flushed for another reason, Sakura was a pretty girl, and he was sure any boy would be happy to date her. However his preferences were a little, crooked shall we say.

Sasuke rolled his eyes, happy to have avoided his bumbling fan girl, hoping to have passed on her adoration to Naruto. Perhaps the dobe would be of some use after all. If he could keep her occupied then she would be out of his hair, and everyone would be happy.

Passing a puddle Kakashi’s eye’s flashed, drawing Naruto’s attention to the puddle. A sudden realization hit him just as they passed it, there had been no rain in Konoha for days. That puddle wasn’t natural. Just as he opened his mouth to warn the group the attackers were upon them, catching Kakashi within their chain they tore him into pieces within seconds. The rest of team seven watching on in horror. Sakura had let out a gasp of shock, before being pushed to the side by Naruto. It was all happening in slow motion to the teen. Kakashi was down, and a set of claws were swiftly heading towards Sakura and the client. Naruto had to make a split second decision, pushing Sakura out of the way and leaping in front of the client himself.

He grunted as he felt the impact of a claw in his shoulder, before he pushed back with a kunei, Sasuke right behind him. Sakura quickly getting back to her feet took up position between the client and the attackers, while Sasuke and Naruto took form, Naruto heading for the one on the right while Sasuke attacked the one on the left. Within a blink of an eye the set of chains was being released, Naruto and Sasuke releasing their kunei to pin the chains to the tree, while knocking their attackers on the head. Sakura allowed herself to relax slightly, smiling as Naruto and Sasuke headed back towards her. Within a flash the two attackers got up from their spots on the ground swiftly moving towards their target, Tazuna. Sakura had no time to react, merely closing her eyes and awaiting what would be her swift death.

However when the kunochi opened her eyes she was surprised to see Kakashi with the two attackers in a head lock, having killed the pair simultaneously. Sasuke and Naruto remained frozen in shock and anger. They should have never turned their backs on an enemy, presumed defeated or not. Sakura let out the breathe of air she had taken while Tazuna appeared pale.

“I thought you were dead sensei.” Sakura said.

“Not quite. Substitution is useful in more than just classroom exercises.” He stated simply. “I assume you both know what you did wrong.” Kakashi said, looking back towards Naruto and Sasuke.

The pair nodded their heads, shame heavy in their hearts. It was their first C ranked mission and they had already screwed up.

“Aside from that mistake you both did very well. Considering this is now what should have been ranked as a ‘B’ class mission.”

Sakura let out a little gasp, while Tazuna appeared to shrink more into himself. Kakashi turned around to stare the man down.

“Why did you lie to us?”

“I didn’t, perhaps they were just after some Konoha ninja.” He replied, refusing to make eye contact with the jounin.

“Another lie. They could have easily attacked Sasuke and I while our backs were turned, but they went directly for you. Also when they first attacked, after taking out their biggest threat, they went after you. You were their target.” Naruto said, grimacing as he held his shoulder.

Kakashi looked back to Naruto sharply, before overtaking the teen in a stride, and ripping off his sweater. “You were cut by a claw. This look’s fairly deep.” Kakashi said, observing the wound.

“It’s only a flesh wound.” Naruto replied with a small laugh.

“Their claws were poisoned. We’ll have to get you back tot eh village so they can bleed the poison out, and there we can have you re-assigned a new team, and a higher ranking.”

“Please don’t!” Tazuna said, grasping Kakashi’s arm. “My village gave everything they had in order for me to hire who I could. A ‘C’ ranked mission was all I could afford. If you don’t help us our people will die, I can’t even express to you how badly we need this.” He begged.

“Be that as it may. You’ve already jeopardized my team by not supplying us with the information we needed, and we are not qualified to take on a mission of this magnitude.”

“But you are a jounin are you not. You could take of a mission like this on your own, please do not abandon me and my people. Without your help we will die.”

Kakashi sighed, he was doubtful. His team wasn’t fully trained enough for a mission like this, they weren’t ready, and yet they had already proved themselves. “Although I would like to help, I have a teammate in need of medical attention and – Naruto!”

Naruto had had enough of all the talking. There was a man in need of their help, and hell if he was going to let something small like a stabbed shoulder stop him from completing his first ‘B’ rank mission. ‘So I just have to bleed the poison out. Easy enough, I know how to bleed.’ With that the teen had grabbed a clean kunei from his pouch and shoved it deep into the cut, allowing a flow of blood to gush forth from the wound. Grunting with the pain Naruto allowed himself to relax, already feeling the effect of the poison seep out from his body, however with that feeling came a darkness surrounding his eyes, as the world became dull around him.

Kakashi rushed over to the teen’s side, holding him in his arms as he sank to the ground. A few moments passed before Naruto’s eyes re-opened and a small smile crossed his lips. “I’m ready to go sensei!”

Kakashi shook his head at the teen’s enthusiastic message, instead moving aside the torn material of his shirt to observe a closed wound. Naruto had already healed. Kakashi couldn’t help but let the boy out of his arms and take a step away.

Frowning Naruto looked down to inspect his wound, upon seeing it already closed the boy’s eyes dulled as he turned away from the group. “Hn. Guess the fur ball decided that he wanted me alive and unmarred for this one huh?’ He said quietly. “It’s a useful thing to have isn’t it?” Naruto said with a sarcastic laugh.

Sakura flinched. She knew that Naruto hurt every time the Kyuubi was mentioned, but it must have been hard to see direct evidence that he held the creature. Sasuke shook his head, despite Naruto’s sarcasm the beast was a gift of sorts. What ninja wouldn’t kill in order to heal that quickly? The dobe had to get his senses in order. Kakashi felt guilt wash over his body. He shouldn’t had stepped away from Naruto, not when the boy needed him.

Kakashi took a step forward and placed a hand on Naruto’s shoulder, and squeezed lightly, letting the boy know that despite what had happened, he was sorry and he was here for him. Naruto froze before relazing into the hand on his shoulder. Allowing a small smile to cross his lips he raised his own hand to place it over Kakashi’s softly, before shrugging it off and lifting his head. There shone a smile that could brighten any day.

“We’ll save your village Tazuna, you can count on me! That’s a promise, and I don’t go back on my promises, because that’s my way of the ninja... So let’s not dawdle! We’ve got ourselves a village to save!”

Sakura smiled at the return of the Naruto she had begun to think of as her friend, while Sasuke was just happy that the dobe was back to normal. He would hate to have to deal with an emotional brat during the journey. Even Tazuna allowed himself to smile at the boy’s return. There was something about the kid that made you want to believe that everything would be alright, and that you could trust him. Kakashi smiled at the boy who confidently took off towards the direction of wave, unwavering in his steps and conviction.

If there was one word that could describe Naruto it would be positive, because he was positive that they would be able to accomplish anything. ‘Together we can be strong.’

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Sorry. I realize that this is short… but I didn’t want to go into the next part just yet otherwise this chapter would take forever. So hopefully this will tide you over until the next one… where things really start changing.