Angel of Death

Chapter 4

A shinobi is not defined by the way they dress. A shinobi is not defined by genes or kekki genkai but more how those genes stand up to the world’s expectations. Nor is a shinobi made by the way he walks, talks, or how many techniques he knows. What makes a shinobi however is ones mindset. A cook, banker, librarian, florist, politician, kingpin, and prostitute. A shinobi is all of these and yet at the same time none of these. A shinobi is adored, and abhorred, by those that don’t understand the laws that govern shinobi all due to their mentality. A shinobi’s mentality which allows us to make up our own laws and create new words. The warrior’s mentality which is merely embracing the human ways created by the samurai, mastered by shinobi, and absorbed by all others.

If you can believe in this way of life than you too can be a shinobi. Shinobi work by any means necessary and own their own dreams. To be a shinobi heroism and attention seeking is not a must but rather liabilities, bad seeds, which will quickly lead on to his death. The core arts and basic three will always be your friends because if it wasn’t for them those others wouldn’t even exist. – Shodai Hokage, Senju Hashirama

In the world today it was a well known fact among the Kage’s that the hidden villages were built on secrets. For instance each of the Kage’s knew that all the Bijuu had at one point been under the control of the Shodai Hokage, Senju Hashirama. In an act of good will however he had given them to each of the other villages that would one day be known as the great shinobi villages keeping only the Kyuubi for himself.

There was one secret within the walls of Konohagakure however that was known only to the Hokage. That secret being the existence of a group of elite shinobi known as the Supreme Headquarters of Internal Espionage Law-enforcement Division or SHIELD for short. During the early years Senju Tobirama had formed the group for the sole purpose of protecting the Hokage and his family from all threats be they external or internal.

This was a group of shinobi that were all high A to S rank that existed outside of the system under the sole command of the Hokage. These men and women were spread all throughout the village and only a small amount of them were actually known as shinobi. Morino Hibiki had been a member of SHIELD for over two decades.

Unlike his younger brother Ibiki he had not been known as a shinobi after he failed his true gennin exam at age ten. However the commander at the time had seen his potential and drafted him into service. Now at the age of 33 he was second in command of the entire unit and a very, very rich man. As he looked the man over Sarutobi Hizuren couldn’t help but admit Jiraiya had made a very fine choice in the man he’d groomed to be his successor.

“So Hibiki what’s the status of Naruto’s investigation?” asked the old man.

“It took some time but we’ve discovered a few things. First is that Naruto-sama was in Hi no Kuni, the capital in fact for six months before he was found in Konoha. Apparently he saved Iroh-sama along with his niece and nephew from an assassination attempt. He was Azula-sama’s personal guard for that period of time as well. Coincidently he arrived the week after Asuma left.

Before that he was in Kiri though we have yet to discover why. Finally we’ve discovered that he spent some time in Tetsu no Kuni (Iron Country). It is unknown how long he was there but it is speculated he was a member of a mercenary group known as the War Gods. The only reason for this is he fits the age description one of two of its five members who were ironically enough a group of children the oldest of them in his mid-teens. Unfortunately know one outside of the top brass there has any clue what they actually looked like. As far as skills are concerned he has only ever shown kenjutsu outside of the two jutsu he has displayed since the incident with Mizuki along those he learned in the academy.” Explained Hibiki finishing his report.

“Do you know what the goal of this group was in Tetsu no Kuni?” asked the Hokage with a frown.

“Hai. Apparently they had been contracted by Mifune’s faction during the civil war after a confrontation with Nobunaga’s men. We do know that the group had only been passing through Tetsu no Kuni before that and had agreed to help. In exchange they were granted not only traveling rights but citizenship. At the end of the war they were given the option to stay and were offered positions high in the military but chose to leave. Regardless of this though they are seen as national heroes as the group that ended the war.” Finished Hibiki.

“Tell me what do you think of him, honestly?”

“Honestly sir I believe he’ll become a very valuable asset to the village, that is if the council doesn’t drive him away first. He is already solid chuunin level and would rank higher if he knew some nin and genjutsu. Personality wise he is very dark even if he doesn’t remember why, though still likeable if anyone took the time to get to know him. He’s also proven to be a good influence on Konohamaru-kun, and a better teacher and role model to him than Ebizu has been.” Finished the man causing his superior to smile.

“Your brother is determined to get him into T&I.” said the Sandaime.

“It’s still too early for that. Naruto needs balance in his life right now, and though it doesn’t show as much he’s still trying to find his place here. I believe taking him as an apprentice was the best choice you could make though I’d advise you to inform him of his heritage soon before he discovers it himself.” Said Hibiki.

“So tell me how is Idate?” said Sarutobi after a few minutes of silence.

---

Naruto sighed as he found himself face to face with the large grey wolf its nine tails splayed out on the ground much like the wolf itself was.

“You seem troubled. Tell me what has unnerved you so much it can affect even this place?”

“I’ve been having strange…visions lately. I know they are memories but they seem fragmented.”

“They are only that way because you fear them. You are reluctant to embrace them and as such afraid to see yourself for whom you are.”

“And exactly who am I?”

“That is something only you can answer. All I can tell you is that the answer for all your questions lye in your past.”

“Then can you tell me who or what you are. You possess nine tails but you are not the Kyuubi and what exactly is this place?”

“Telling you my name would be pointless as you already know it. As far as what I am and what this place is those are simple answers. I am but a portion of you, one of the pieces that make up your soul and the zanpakuto that currently rest in your lap in the physical world. This place though incomplete is your soulscape the place where your mind and soul can meet.” Explained the wolf.

“Why is this place incomplete, if it represents my soul?”

“That I can not tell you. It is one of the answers you will have upon regaining yourself. Now my question to you is this, are you sure you wish to know the answers to your questions? After all the past is in the past, you are still young and can make a life for yourself separated from your past deeds and actions. You can move forward and become anything you wish, why after two years of amnesia do you not simply move on.”

Naruto was silent at the wolf’s words. He had asked himself that question many a time in the past two years. After all the wolf was right he could move on, he had a lot of life ahead of him and could actually do whatever he pleased. However the answer to this was always the same and even now he stuck with it. Unknown to the boy the wolf’s respect for him rose as he opened his mouth to speak determination shining in his eyes brighter than the stars.

---

When Kakashi arrived in the Hokage’s office that morning the cycloptic jounin wished that he’d waited until later almost as soon as he entered.

“Rival Kakashi.”

The words would’ve brought a shudder to a lesser man but Kakashi was not such a man, hardened by war as he was. Instead the man faced his speaker with an air of bored detachment that many often wished they could replicate.

“Now that Kakashi’s here lets get started shall we.” Said Sarutobi catching the attention of the two men.

“Now Kakashi it's been decided that it’s time your team received its first C-rank mission, as individually they are each skilled enough to be on one. However you’ve only been a team for three months, so as a safety precaution I’ll be sending a more experienced team along with you, Team Gai.” Said Sarutobi before handing Kakashi a scroll.

“Your mission details are within, you have until 0700 tomorrow to gather your teams and prepare. Dismissed.”

With that said the two jounin bowed and left the room leaving Hizuren to himself.

---

The next morning found the gennin teams under Kakashi and Gai gathered at the village gate along with their respective sensei’s and an old man who was obviously a client.

“Alright everyone listen up.” Said Kakashi grabbing everyone’s attention.

“The Sandaime has seen fit to give us a joint mission. Team seven the Sandaime and his advisors would like to see how you’ve progressed in a live situation this is it. Team Gai you are going along a more experienced team having a year under your belt already. I will be the jounin in charge of the mission, due to seniority. Now before we begin our mission each of you will introduce yourselves to each other. Name’s, likes, dislikes, and specialty.” Said Kakashi pointing first to a long haired boy on Gai’s team.

“I am Hyuga Neji. My likes include meditation, and dislikes are those that go against fate. I specialize in usage of the Byakugan kekki genkai and the jyuken of the Hyuga clan.” Said the boy shortly.

“Yosh I am the ever youthful Rock Lee.” Started a mini version of Gai only to be smacked upside the head by the kunoichi of his team forcing him to slow himself down.

“I like training, and dislike those who try to hamper my flames of youth. I specialize in taijutsu.” Finished the boy, though the kunoichi glared at him when he spoke of ‘flames of youth’.

“My name is Tenten, no surname cuz I don’t know it. I like training and collecting new weaponry, and dislike fangirl’s as they give kunoichi everywhere a bad name. I specialize in short to mid range combat using weapons.” Finished Tenten.

“My name is Naruto, I like ramen and dislike cowardice and those who let their fears control them. I specialize in close to mid range combat, tracking and kenjutsu and can use any type of sword except for a zanpatou.” Finished the blonde shortly getting an interested look from Tenten which he returned with a raised eyebrow.

“Uchiha Sasuke, I have no likes, I dislike fangirls, and I specialize in ninjutsu.” Said the raven haired youth softly.

“I’m Haruno Sakura. I like reading, I dislike perverts especially open ones (insert glare at Kakashi), and I specialize in medical techniques.” Finished the pink haired gennin.

“Alright now that everyone’s been introduced here are the mission details.” Spoke Kakashi grabbing the attention of the gennin once more.

“Our mission is a bodyguard mission. We are to protect Tazuna-san here and escort him to the Nami no Kuni where he will be building a bridge to connect Nami to Hi no Kuni. Now with that said let’s head out.”

“Exactly how far is Nami no Kuni from here?” asked Sakura after they had exited the gates.

“It a civilian pace it’s a day’s travel.” Answered Kakashi getting a nod from the pink haired girl.

---

Several hours later found the group still silently traveling down the road towards Nami no Kuni, something Kakashi was thankful for as it gave him time to read his book in peace. There had been a few close calls by the mini-Gai that would’ve disturbed the peace if not for a stern glare from his kunoichi teammate.

He had no idea why it was that even as gennin kunoichi had the ability to stop any sort of trouble brewed by their male counterparts on a team, even the senseis. He himself theorized it was something they taught in the kunoichi only classes in the academy. Whatever secret it was Tenten seemed to be willing to share with Sakura as they traded whispers between each other. He counted that as a blessing as hopefully when they were all together she’d be able to keep Naruto from killing Sasuke, as Sasuke was nowhere near ready to fight someone like the blonde, and let him read in peace.

Neji was also glad for the silence. Unlike Tenten and Lee however he had no desire to socialize with any of the underclassmen or even the members of his own team. After all before the might of the Hyuga they were all mere peasants.

Sasuke was of a like mind and was taking the time to go over the new skills he’d acquired in the last three months. Despite the number of new jutsu and his improvement in taijutsu he knew he required far more power than he had. Itachi had already mastered his Sharingan and been an ANBU captain by time he was his age, while he was still a gennin with an unawakened Sharingan. As such in order to stand a chance of killing the man who had butchered his clan he would need to acquire more power.

Lee was also taking the time to over his training and what he’d accomplished thus far. He’d thought to help his underclassmen to realize and embrace the power of their flames of youth but a stern glare from Tenten quelled that desire. Meanwhile Tenten and Sakura were engaged in a rather heated whispered conversation glancing at the blonde in front of them every once as well.

Naruto meanwhile was lost in thought, so much in fact that the whispered conversation just behind him didn’t even register to his sensitive ears. Even if he was paying attention however he wouldn’t be worried a she’d already made Namida submit, along with Ryoko before her. Compared to the three of them the two behind him were nothing to worry about. Suddenly the blonde stopped in his tracks bringing everyone else to a halt.

“You two can come out now.”

At his words each of the Konoha gennin looked at him in confusion while the two jounin frowned. Suddenly two people emerged from the shadows of the forest surprising the group. The first to emerge was a male at about 15 years old and stood at about 5’8” with long white hair that fell down to the top of his back to match with his pale skin. He was wearing a pair of black pants and a grey shirt covered by a jounin vest, a kiri hitae-tae secured around his forehead. Finally a katana could be seen strapped to his left side while over his heart a ying yang crest could be seen.

The next to emerge was a female that looked about 15. She had a darker complexion than her companion but was also fairly light skinned and stood at a height of 5’5” with long black hair. She wore a blue and black battle kimono with a ying yang crest taking up the portion over her legs, her Kiri hitae-tae secured around her forehead and had a katana secured likewise to her left side.

“I see you haven’t lost a step in your seclusion, you noticed us the second we entered your perimeter.” Said the male calmly.

“Hopefully your sensing abilities weren’t the only things you kept sharp. I’d hate for you to lose when we next cross blades, Naruto-kun.” Said the girl.

“And how exactly do two jounin from Kiri of all places know my student, Mibu Kimimaru and Mibu Haku.”

“As if we wouldn’t recognize him, what did you think changing his hair color would fool anyone who actually knew him? As long as those scars remain on his face anyone would recognize him.” Said the boy now known as Kimimaru

“Besides if we didn’t know him why would we specifically ask for him when this joint mission was put together?” Said the girl known as Haku.

“I’m surprised I knew Kiri was sending people, but two members of the seven swordsmen.” Said Gai breaking into the conversation.

“We requested we were both born in Nami.” Said Haku.

“Ok I’m confused how the hell do you know two members of Kiri’s Seven Swordsmen.” Demanded Tenten as she turned her glare onto Naruto.

“There’s no point asking him. Naruto’s had amnesia since he was eleven.” Said Gai shocking not only his team but the Kiri nin as well.

Narrowing her eyes Haku walked up to the boy ignoring the tensing of the Konoha jounin as she and the blonde locked eyes.

“You recognize us don’t you?” Stated the girl calmly cupping his cheek.

As he did this the blonde tensed as his mind was battered with a barrage of images of the two of them. At the beginning the images were of two children who looked similar to them and continued to flash until they stopped at the images of them at age 13. As the images stopped he collapsed quickly caught by Haku as he panted heavily.

“Hyou-hime.” Muttered the blonde quietly as sweat covered his face before he passed out.

“His memories were sealed away.” Said Haku catching everyone’s attention and causing Kimimaru to draw his sword.

“Calm down Kimimaru, I recognized the seal when it flashed in his eyes. This wasn’t done by anyone in Konoha; it was done by either Ryoko or him. The good news is that it’s already been lifted his minds just trying to assimilate everything, by tomorrow morning he’ll remember.” Said Haku quietly causing Kimimaru to sheath his sword at the end of her speech.

“Now why don’t you tell them why we’re meeting them here and not in Nami?” Said Haku catching the Konoha ninja’s attention.

“How combat ready are the gennin?” asked Kimimaru making both jounin frown already having a clue where this would lead.

“I’m asking because Gato got his thugs covering the island. We’re looking at 300 thugs between us and Nami no Kuni. Between Haku, Naruto, and myself we can take out at least 200 leaving the last hundred between you guys though if the gennin aren’t up to it I’m sure you and Maito-san could handle it correct Hatake-san.” Said Kimimaru causing both jounin to frown in distaste.

“Why do you think Naruto could handle such a thing?” Said Gai asking the question each of the Konoha nin wanted answered.

“These are mere bandits, ants compared to trained samurai and shinobi. In the past Naruto has taken down three hundred samurai on his own. These fools are nothing compared to that. Plus according to our spy reports there’s a larger force waiting for us in Nami we’ll all need to put in work for that force.” Answered Kimimaru.

“I’m surprised Kiri’s worried about another country I was pretty sure you guys were busy with that civil war.” Said Neji.

“Your knowledge is outdated, that’s been over for two years. The three of us helped put an end to it. Because of that we were all offered positions in the seven swordsmen; Naruto’s heart was in Hi no Kuni and Konoha though so he declined.” Said Haku.

“No wonder he’s so ahead of every other gennin, he’s seen the horrors of war.” Said Kakashi quietly.

“We should rest here for the night we can cover the last half of the journey tomorrow, unless you want to use a day to train before we head into Nami.” Said Kimimaru.

“That’s a good idea traveling with Naruto in that state isn’t advisable.” Said Kakashi motioning for the group of gennin to set up camp.

---

The next morning the group was awoken by the sound of steel clashing. Following the sound they came upon a clearing where what could barely pass as a blur was destroying Naruto clones left and right. Suddenly each of the remaining clones dispersed in a giant cloud of smoke as a fierce wind whipped through them.

“Time.” Said a voice causing them to turn and find Naruto with his kodachi unsheathed.

“5 minutes and 30 seconds.” Said Haku causing the boy to groan.

“I’m seriously out of shape. It’s a good thing I’ve got some ninjutsu now; kenjutsu alone won’t do it in my present shape. I mean seriously there was only about a 200.” Said Naruto as he sheathed his sword.

“You could always use that Kekki Genkai of yours if things get dicey.” Said Haku.

“No, I won’t be one of those fools who relies on a Kekki Genkai, no matter how powerful. Besides for now Tenryo is all I need.” Said the blonde sheathing his sword.

As the two were speaking they began moving in the direction of their camp and subsequently the group.

“That was quite impressive back there Naruto.” Said Kakashi causing the boy to frown in distaste.

“That was pathetic, those clones were only at fifty percent of my strength and it took over 5 minutes to deal with them and I had to resort to power moves. On top of that my fighting style isn’t working with my body anymore; I’ve grown since I was ten I’ll need some serious training if I’m going to be of any use in Nami.” Said the blonde as he continued on towards the camp.

“Don’t mind him; he took a lot of pride in his strength. His current level of performance clashes with what he knows he’s capable of.” Explained Haku quietly.

“I see.” Muttered Gai

“You mentioned he had a bloodline, what exactly is it?” asked Gai his curiosity peaked.

“That’s something you’d have to ask him about.” Said Kimimaru making his presence known.

As the group reentered their campsite they found the members of team seven along with Tazuna quietly eating surrounding a fire. As they approached they noticed several changes with Naruto. His blonde hair had darkened slightly until it turned red at the ends. Due to the fact his shirt was off a massive tattoo of a set of angel like wings was designed on his back as well.

“Care to explain a few things Naruto.” Said Kakashi as the group sat down around them.

“Such as?” questioned Naruto more interested in his ramen than conversation.

“You could start with how you know two members of the seven swordsmen?” Said Kakashi causing Naruto to pause in his eating.

“Very well I suppose I could answer at least that much. Haku, Kimimaru, and I met when I was 5 they were 7, along with two others. The five of us were trained together, for what purpose you currently don’t have clearance to know. Three years back as I’m sure they told you we helped turn the tides of the civil war in Kiri. As for your next question why my memories were sealed that’s simple. It has to do with a one armed mummy that I have no doubt you know an awful lot about.” Finished the blonde causing both jounin to share a look.

“Now as for what we need to be focused on. Haku’s told me about the situation in Nami. So tell me how are we going about getting in?”

“Well be taking a boat into Nami. Gato’s thugs have taken over a village right near the waters edge.” Said Kimimaru getting a frown from the Konoha nin.

“Any chance of shinobi encounters?” asked Naruto.

“Doubtful Gato hate’s shinobi he finds them too expensive. The only way he’d get shinobi was if there was a nuke-nin desperate enough to work for him.” Said Kimimaru.

“Well you had to pass through Nami on your way here so why didn’t you just kill him?” asked Sasuke with a frown.

“Because that wouldn’t work in this type of situation, it would only make things worse.” Answered Naruto as if it was obvious.

“Sure theoretically we can kill Gato and his thugs would leave because there’s no money coming in. However what would really happen is they’d stick around and take it out on Nami if Gato was just killed. Instead we’re going to strike the limbs first and then when he’s defenseless we’ll lop off the head; that was your idea right” Finished the blonde turning towards Kimimaru.

“You know me too well.” Said the Kiri jounin with a smirk.

“Of course doing such a thing isn’t as simple as you make it sound, especially if you factor in the gennin.” Said Kakashi with his exposed eye hard reflecting his seriousness.

“What do you think fox?” asked Haku getting a frown from the blonde.

“Actually if we factor them in it should make things easier.” Said the blonde after a moment grabbing everyone’s attention.

“We don’t actually have to fight our way in. Instead we sneak through under the cover of the mist early in the morning while it’s naturally heavy. With Neji’s Byakugan he’ll be able to sneak us through avoiding any enemies we come across. Haku told me this morning there are only fifty stationed in the village anyway. With the early hour not even half of them will be up to patrol and the mist wont help them any. If we can get to Tazuna’s home we can then set up a base and plan further from there.”

“Not a bad idea, but why you’ve never been one to shy away from death.” Said Haku.

“I’m still not. However we also have to take into account Tazuna’s presence and having him with us in the midst of battle would make him a liability. Also we have to take in the abilities of the other gennin and while I know them I also know that we can make them stronger before dragging them into a battlefield.” Said the boy

“You’ve changed Naruto-kun. In the past you wouldn’t have blinked an eye to bringing them with us and have merely blamed their deaths on their own weakness.” Said Haku with a small smile.

“I never said having my memories sealed hadn’t had any good points. It put me back in touch with that naive boy who couldn’t help but look for the best in his situation; I think that’s one of the reasons why jiji sealed me. Besides if I had actually stayed so focused on vengeance where would that have left me, or any of us for that matter. We’d have been psychotic killer’s hell bent on eliminating the entire human race most likely, if not just the elemental nations.”

“It’s about time you figured it out.” Said a deep booming voice causing the blonde to snap around.

The figure before him was that of a transparent demonic figure. The figure had deep purple skin and long spiky white hair with two red horns coming out of its head. The figure wore long white robes and had a pair of deep red eyes; this was the being known by all as the Shinigami. Looking around Naruto found everything around them frozen even the other Konoha nin, Haku and Kimimaru

“Jiji.” Said the blonde in greeting getting a smile that looked a bit out of place on the demonic figure.

“You’ve passed your final test young one.” Started the Shinigami his tone jovial.

“You have returned to yourself and realized the error of your past actions. As a reward I have a few things for you.” As he said another sword appeared on the blonde’s waist beside Tenryo.

“The sword is something I withdrew from you when I first took you on as my apprentice. It is a zanpakuto, much like Tenryo, however unlike Tenryo it was not changed into one. Your new zanpakuto comes from the Kekki Genkai I bestowed upon the Uzumaki clan your mother hails from and as such is your original zanpakuto.” Said the Death God getting a nod from the boy before a pair of scrolls appeared in the God’s hands which he handed to the boy.

“Those are the summoning contracts for the Kitsune, and Karasu clans. As you know neither of these contracts have ever been in possession of mortals. The Kitsune because they are one of the celestial clans that are members of Kami’s and the Karasu because they are my servants like the Bakeneko. Sign both in blood and leave prints with the hand you’ll summon with, add chakra to enlarge them and detract to shrink them back down.” Once again the blonde nodded his understanding placing the scrolls in his pouch to look over later.

“As for you final gift, as promised your fathers soul has been removed from purgatory and allowed to move on. Your whereabouts have also been leaked to the remains of your mother’s clan as I promised you years ago. Now as far the rest of your clans…” said the Shinigami before placing his hand atop the boys head forcing the knowledge directly into his brain.

As the knowledge finally assimilated Naruto blinked finding his master had already left him and things had continued with the group as if nothing had happened. He himself however had a sweatdrop fall down his head as his new mission registered with him. Sighing he shook himself of the thought before tuning back into the conversation about Nami. However he knew that from here his life would change, though whether for better or worse he did not know.