Chapter 6: Rivalry Explodes!

  AN

  Ino / Naruto’s POV (Team Seven’s Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Ino panted harshly on all fours; it was the only thing she could do. Rising up and standing was simply more than her body could endure. Kakashi, after their spars, split them into groups to work on what he considered their weaknesses. Ino and Naruto had been grouped together because they had the same problem. The main weakness that held the two blondes back was their poor Taijutsu. Kakashi said Ino's conditioning was inadequate, as was her Taijutsu. Something Ino knew was a kind way of saying she was behind the other two. While Ino had never been a prodigy, she had been a high in the kunoichi rankings. Though she never had been the hardest trainer. Ino had never quite realized how far behind she indeed was. Even Naruto, someone in the academy rumored to be an idiot, had shown her up totally.

  Ino had nearly been excited with Kakashi, who seemed serious about their training. But that was before he exposed his method of improving them: repeated spars. Ino and Naruto had tried their best but failed to mount any real offense. Kakashi merely evaded it all, countering them with a smile that somehow shined through the mask. Ino wasn't sure how much they learned by Kakashi beating them around in the Taijutsu spars, but Naruto seemed intensely into it, and Ino felt obligated to match his enthusiasm. The male blonde even joked and encouraged her all the while. The training bout was painful but enjoyable with the light-hearted blonde present.

  Ino had done her absolute best. But she collapsed after eating dirt for the tenth time. To her shock, Naruto seemed to not be tired even after everything that day. If anything, Naruto kept swinging and charging with even more ferocity. Seemingly desperate to land some solid offense. But with a palm thrust to the blonde's face, the Uzumaki collapsed. Before, Naruto kipped up back to his feet, roaring all the while. Ino lay on the ground, watching Naruto and Kakashi continue like that for a while. It was strange how relentless the blonde was. Ino wondered what gave him such raw willpower. Just exactly who was Naruto Uzumaki? However, after a particularly harsh kick to his head, Naruto collapsed more roughly than even Ino had. Ino winced in sympathy at the downed Uzumaki, filing away the questions for later. Kakashi merely gazed at the unconscious blonde, seemingly waiting for the blonde to stand like some undead menace.

  Ino took the chance to glance over at Neji. The Hyuga was slowly walking toward them. Each step seemed to take every ounce of pride Neji had. He took one slow, difficult step, two, and the third landed. The rest of his body shortly followed after his feet as if lagging behind. Neji and a Kakashi clone had created and gone off to test Neji's "long-range game," as Kakashi put it. While Ino was uncertain what that meant by the tired look on Neji's face, she was glad she didn't partake in it. Kakashi looked over and nodded at this, then, with a quick series of hand signs, shot a small stream of water to revive Naruto. Ino had stifled a chuckle when the blonde popped up, seemingly no longer exhausted but confused.

  "Fi-fitting, you passed out. A failure like yourself is deserving of the dirt." Neji said even exhausted, choosing to take a shot at the blonde.

  Naruto oddly smiled at this. Ino was almost shocked at his patience before suddenly charging at the Hyuga. Neji even tired as he raced to meet the blonde. Ino flinched as the two teammates' tension finally became too much, the two intending to settle their dislike the old-fashioned way. Kakashi thankfully reacted quicker and better than herself. Throwing himself between the two and attempting to push them away from one another. This did little to stop it; Neji snaked a fist through Kakashi's guard to punch the blonde. Naruto didn't seem to mind tanking the blow and catching his fist as he attempted to draw it back. The blonde then yanked Neji into Kakashi, causing the Jounin to wrap him up while he had the chance. Naruto merely smirked, grabbing Kakashi's vest and lifting them both above his head. Ino gasped at his strength and the sudden violence. Unsure if she should attempt to stop or allow Kakashi to handle it.

  "I don't care if it's bad teamwork! No one looks down on me like that! And if you're not gonna get him to stop, screw you too!" Naruto said. Ino, for the first time in her life, heard true rage in his voice. He then threw both men into the air. Quickly reaching ten feet and rising. The feat of raw strength baffled Ino. This was the guy Shikamaru had described as a harmless goofball?

  Kakashi seemed to relax in mid-air. "You may have a point. You certainly aren't much better at losing your cool. But Neji Baka does need to learn how to play nicely." The Jounin said as they reached the apex of their flight, which was now twenty feet in the air.

  "WHAT DID YOU CALL M-" Neji started but was interrupted when Kakashi shifted him to the bottom of their situation. Kakashi's weight rested on top of him.

  "Need a soft landing, you understand," Kakashi informed happily. The two then crashed into the ground. Cracking the ground below due to the impact. Neji seemed dazed, barely reacting as the Jounin climbed off and lifted him by the back of his shirt. "I had intended for you two to slowly get along over the period spent training together. But I forgot your two younger men. Neji seems determined to instigate with Naruto, and Naruto seems determined to hold him accountable. Since this needs to work itself out, we'll have a spar between the two of you a week from now. Once that's done, I suspect it will help us settle in. Though, make no mistake, this will be nipped in the bud. Teamwork is important and something a team of mine will excel in. Understood?"

  "Damn straight!" Naruto replied with his signature smile. "I'm sorry for losing my cool, but I've dealt with his type before. He doesn't learn till you face him head-on."

  "Perfection, we're done for today. You two make sure each other gets home. I worked you hard, so walk a bit to work off the aches. Yes, it will help. No, you cannot skip it."

  "Yes, sensei." The two young adults echoed from the ground.

  "Ah, I don't hate you, twooooo~" Kakashi sang merrily. Before he and the downed Hyuga poofed away with a blast of smoke.

  "I'll admit he's damn good, but I hate that man," Ino complained. Naruto kipped up and started stretching.

  "No doubt he's an ass, but that was some real training. Not even Ma kicks my ass so thoroughly." Naruto said, walking over to assist her. But she shook her head casually, rolling backward to her feet. Naruto smiled cheekily at her for doing so.

  "You're not lying, but still. A young maiden is a fragile thing." Ino said with a smirk.

  "I saw you eat one of the most painful-looking uppercuts I've seen earlier and responded by trying to headbutt him." Naruto retorted dryly. "Honestly, I thought you were some princess type, but I suppose you're some kinda tomboy."

  Ino's smile nearly grew before she snatched his ear. Yanking him forward.

  "Care to repeat that joke?" She said darkness seemingly dripped from her tone.

  "Ouch! Ino! NO, STOP! I'm sorry!" Naruto called out, trying to escape her wrath.

  "Then tell the truth." The woman replied sweetly.

  "That's your a." Naruto nearly whimpered when his ear was tugged sharply. "Ok! You're super feminine and beautiful!" Ino released his ear with an airy chuckle.

  "You only had to say I'm a Kunochi, though I'm glad to know you think I'm beautiful," Ino said smugly, walking back towards the village. Naruto sighed at this but followed her.

  Ino whistled as they walked back to the main village, thinking about the day as the two silently trekked. All in all, it had been a challenging but satisfying day. However, if she were honest, she still wouldn't be sure what to think of her team. Her sensei was a famed Jounin, Kakashi Hatake. Many believed that a man would one day become Hokage. Though Kakashi was as skilled as they said, the man was strange. He switched between aloof carelessness to intense scrutiny within an instant. Not to mention, he wore a mask all the time. Fashionable and stylish, sure. Helpful when attempting to read the man's facial expression, not at all. As a Yamanaka, she had been taught how to read people, but she wasn't sure anyone could read Kakashi Hatake.

  Neji was a much simpler man to understand. He was a genius prodigy who excelled in nearly every endeavor he attempted. One who was, despite his ability, hampered by some of the most complex clan politics Ino had ever heard of. She understood to some extent that she was a heiress for a fairly reputable clan. But hers wasn't nearly as cutthroat as the Hyuag's came to be. Neji was angry and, due to this, looked down and lorded over those he considered inferior. Annoying but ultimately somewhat workable if not for her third and most confusing teammate. One Naruto Uzumaki.

  Naruto was unique, different from most she had met. He was friendly and comedic, which had been expected. But she kept seeing signs of more to him. He was prideful and confrontational, yet he didn't have the same anger around him as Neji. He seemed genuinely content to treat others as he wanted to be treated. Shikamaru had often referred to him as a "reliable goof," a title Ino was now seeing was somewhat accurate.

  "Naruto?" Ino asked her tone again being its usual sound. "Do you think fighting Neji is for the best? He seems strong and has a mean streak to him. Not to mention he's supposed to be one of the stronger Genin of our class."

  "No doubt. He might not be a terrible guy, but he needs his ass kicked. Teaches humility or something or other." Naruto answered cockily.

  "Not sure that logic tracks," Ino replied skeptically. "Aren't you worried he's gonna hurt you instead? Or even if you beat him, he'll resent you more."

  "I mean, guess that would suck. But I try not to worry about that stuff. My ma always says it's better to just try; worrying about failing won't stop you from doing so. It's worked well for me in life so far." Naruto explained.

  "I guess I'm just worried about it, I suppose. If you lose, Neji will be insufferable. Honestly, his performance was crazy. I didn't think anyone was that far ahead. Not in our year, at least." Ino said her voice was slightly softer. "Just worried you're in over your head here…"

  "Listen, let me tell you three things about Naruto Uzumaki! I won't quit! I'll work hard! And always win when the chips are down! Ya know? Consider it a promise, I'll straighten out Neji or die trying! "He said with a wide smile beaming towards Ino.

  "Whatever you say, Blondie." Ino retorted. Though if she was being honest, something about him, when he stood firm like that, was endearing. Confusing as always.

  Kakashi’s POV (Nearby Naruto)

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  Kakashi and Neji appeared, landing in a tree some distance from the others. Neji quickly climbed to his feet, attempting to leave. But he tripped and fell as a rope suddenly wrapped around his ankle, leaving him upside down from the branch. Neji swelled with embarrassment and immediately raised his upper body to free himself. This left him open to a second rope attack that quickly bound his arms to his sides, leaving the angry prodigy effectively helpless, hanging upside down.

  "Sorry about that, ne," Kakashi said, his voice casual yet with an unmistakable edge to it. "I figured you might try something foolish. And just happened to want to try out my rope ninjutsu."

  This whole situation felt familiar. The proud genius and heartful loudmouth clashing. One of the two is more guilty than the other. In his day with Obito, Minato mainly left it to them to mediate; Ren had been helpful.

  "Free me now! Jounin or not, you can't treat me like this!" Neji screamed, his composure completely shattered.

  "Firstly, whether you like it or not, you are now my subordinate. If I consider you insubordinate, your career will end early at my earliest word. Maybe I am a mere Jounin, but you'll find few as well-tapped in as I. Secondly, team dynamics can be difficult, but neither Ino nor Naruto has done something worthy of your ire. Yet, especially with Naruto, you seemed determined to pick a fight. Now, I'll cave in this one time and give you as you wish. But you may regret that decision." Neji scoffed at this. "Thirdly and most importantly, though. I will not allow you to treat your teammates this way. They may not have your combat prowess. But both of them have inherent use. Ino's clan allows her unique skills for information gathering, ambushes, and more subtle aspects of kunoichi life. Naruto has a unique versatility with his shadow clones, information, backup, manual labor, human shields, and even literal bombs. Together, you all should be able to tackle any mission that comes your way. But only as a cohesive team. I don't care how skilled you are; I won't tolerate a selfish shinobi rising from our ranks." The Cyclops lectured.

  A sigh could be heard from the restrained Hyuga. Some of his tension has faded from Kakashi's speech. "I know there's wisdom in your words. I am being incredibly unfair towards them. I admit this to be true. The woman I find easier to forgive, at least she knows her inadequacy and place. But Naruto? He pushes for the very top. The very apex of the shinobi world. I've heard of his goal and determination; he seeks to become a Hokage… Despite his mediocrity, lack of talent, and even my confrontations, he stands firm despite it all! Seemingly intending to defy the fate of one like him." The young man's voice seemed drained at this.

  Kakashi felt a spike of anger toward Neji. But with years of experience, he worked to keep himself calm. His voice, much smoother and calmer than his mind, showed his maturity and control. He would need to hear Neji out if he hoped to sway him.

  "There's no doubt he's a hard worker. He's friendly and personable. His desire to succeed and his refusal to quit can even be inspiring. But it's his ignorance that wounds me. He has yet to learn that fate is a burden we all carry. That we cannot escape the boxes we were placed in. Merely try to accept the meager future ahead." Neji's voice carried the weight of his struggle, his words resonating with the Jounin.

  "You've given up. It angers you that he hasn't." Kakashi replied simply. While he understood Neji's fustration he had the wisdom to see past it.

  "Tch, call it what you wish. Accepting one's fate is not surrendering; it is merely the reality we have been dealt with. I will show Naruto and Ino this next week. I believe that deep down to my very core. Surely a man with an eye that is not his own may understand that the world is cruel and unforgiving towards those who live ignorant of the rules." Neji's words echoed with a defiance that was as clear as day.

  "No doubt about that. But in life, I've met those who challenge these rules. Who can overcome overwhelming odds with nothing less than guts or will." Kakashi countered.

  Neji scoffed again before freeing his hands and releasing himself from the ropes. He landed on the ground gracefully. He cocked a look at the Cyclops. "Perhaps you're right. I suppose Naruto will have a chance to prove your point. But I've yet to see anyone defy fate. And Naruto Uzumaki is destined to fail next week." At this, the Hyuga surprised Kakashi by vanishing in a poof of his own.

  "So he knows the body flicker, huh? Sensei, I have faith, but I'm not sure he can overcome this. Hopefully, he can find a path in the week I gave them." Kakashi's voice was quiet, but his faith in Naruto was unwavering, a testament to his role as a mentor. He felt as if the father in question was gazing at him at that very moment. Kakashi would offer a little help just to be sure the right one won.

  Jiraiya’s POV (Red Light District - Hidden River Village)

  Jiraiya was a man who traveled the world. Important to do so in his line of work. He had to be well-traveled as a spy, a genius author, and an unrivaled manly man. Now, usually, Jiraiya enjoyed the gig he had been placed in. He could move about as he pleased, gaining info and having plenty of chances to meet bodacious babes. Got to see sights unseen by most. And got to spread his legend far and wide. While learning about other cultures. But this particular visit to this village would not be fun. Orochimaru, the intelligent snake he was, had somehow founded his own minor Hidden Village. Worse yet, it had gained the support of various other tiny Hidden Villages. Hiruzen, when he heard this, was initially stumped. Oh, Jiraiya was sure in a couple of days, he'd receive a letter detailing a response. Jiraiya knew Hiruzen would want to do this with kid gloves. But Jiraiya was always a more dynamic kind of guy. He needed to nip this little move by his old friend in the bud.

  The first step to his plan was simple. He had arrived in the closest village where the Leaf's sway should be the strongest: the Village Hidden in the Rivers. It was a small, mainly merchant village that had recently gained a ninja force. The ninjas wielded a unique yet powerful Water Ninjutsu style that supposedly allowed them to weaponize the rivers in the river system in which the village was located.

  From what his source had said, Orochimaru had achieved funding for his little project from this and several other minor Hidden Villages. While the method of winning their favor was unknown, Orochimaru had always been a gifted scientist and manipulator. Jiraiya was confident he either traded something of value or fooled them. His goal was simply to pressure them to withdraw the support and the word, and Jiraiya's subsequent visits to the others would ensure that his rival's new ally was lost. Weakening Orochimaru and ensuring the Leaf maintained its influence.

  Jiraiya snuck past the scouting teams and initial defenses of the village. Newer generation shinobi like these always lacked more subtle skills. It was easy for Jiraiya to enter the village's main street, undisguised and undetected. He made no effort to stay that way, making a beeline to the red light district and making a scene all the while. Jiraiya even made sure to be witnessed entering a bar. They knew he was here and knew where he was. He'd pick his spot well, nowhere to encourage them to attempt a violent solution and somewhere public enough to aid them should they choose. They would come soon, he was sure. Either to repel him or persuade him to leave. Couldn't leave an S-class shinobi to wander freely around one's village. But for now, he needed to seem an irresponsible fool arriving here purely for greedy desire.

  Which is why the legendary Sanin was surrounded by various bottle girls. All laughing at his gallant tales and leeching him for every Ryo he had. Oh, the Sanin was aware of their ploy. But being so "full of life" made it hard to blame them. He roared approval at them, then slammed his cup full of sake to the immediate cheering of the young woman. Ah, he knew they wished to get him drunk to make him spend more. Indeed, a normal man would've tried to bed one of the beauties. Or would be mind-shakingly drunk by now from their subtle manipulations. But Jiraiya was never a normal man. Normal men didn't become legends after all! But he may be a bit distracted. He had barely noticed the two Kunoichi that had snuck into the group. They quickly sensed both being Jounin and their outfits being too revealing. Bottle girls were clothes that highlighted or hinted at assets but never showed off too much. The chase is what made the men waste their money, after all. But they were low-cut blouses displaying wonder-. He meant evil cleavage. They both let their long and smooth legs show. Jiraiya felt his very soul scream to pretend to be fooled. But he knew they likely only did this to get close.

  Wait, he needed to focus. Jiraiya blinked as he shooed the other woman away. Noticeably, the two shinobi stayed behind, hesitating as they decided between keeping up their cover or going loud.

  "Water Style: Water Canon Jutsu!"

  "Water Style: Twin Water Blades!"

  It was loud then. A shame it was whenever Jiraiya's gut was right. He stood slowly, feeling the two powerful blasts of water close in. At the last second, he quickly turned a glowing orb in one hand that grew large. "Odama Rasengan!" Jiraiya called as he smashed his trusty technique into the woman's attack. The orb seemed to eat through both jutsu with ease. Jiraiya chuckled as he raced forward and quickly put a kunai before each woman's throat. The women have fallen on their behinds from his shocking speed. "You wouldn't mind taking me to your leader, would you?"

  "I assume you keep things quiet, " one of the two said. Jiraiya merely smiled and offered them both a hand up. They both rudely declined before grabbing the Sannins' arms and Body Flickering away with him.

  Jiraiya landed in what he assumed was the office of their leader. The woman who brought him there left him with the room's inhabitants. An old man sat behind a desk. He was fully bald and certainly past his prime. Next to him stood a masked anbu. "I'm assuming you have an idea of why I'm here," the Sannin said, walking forward confidently all the while.

  "Of course. I figured they'd send someone eventually. But it being a Sannin and it happening now certainly is surprising." The old man's calm response added an intriguing twist to the situation.

  "Of course, the valiant Jiraiya always comes when needed!" He called with a confident laugh. "And needed, I most certainly am."

  "We do not need an S-rank ninja in our village." The anbu's angry tone, a rare display of emotion for an Anbu, added a layer of tension to the conversation.

  "You do need me. After all, you've allied with the sound." Jiriaya countered casually. "Who I'm sure you realized is led by a marked criminal of two of the Major Hidden Villages."

  "They offered a lucrative trade deal, " the leader replied. Besides, while we are allied, there is no provision in place for who we work with. In fact, he offered me quite the deal to serve as his information source, a deal I am considering taking him up on.

  "Take it," Jiraiya said with a shrug as he walked over to the small bar the leader kept in the back and slowly poured himself a shot of sake.

  "Excuse me?"

  "Take it," Jiraiya continued after throwing the shot down his gullet with ease. "Take the deal, do what he says. But you keep me in the loop and pass some information along to him for me."

  "You know he'll kill me if he finds out." The leader rejected it. "I do not need the ire of Orochimaru…"

  "Don't let him find out then. See, I'm a peaceful man." Jiraiya started walking out of the office. "But I'd raze a village like this to the ground for my home. It's, unfortunately, my duty. Don't make me do my job…"

  The two men watched the Sanin leave silent. "We'll do as he says for now." The leader said simply. "Besides, I did doubt the Snake Sanin's intention. At least the Toad was open with his threat."

  "Sir." The Anbu said, teleporting out of the room to enact orders.

  Shikamaru’s POV (Team Eight’s Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Shikamaru and Tenten sat on the sidelines as Sai sparred with Asuma. Asuma is a tall, bearded man. With short, spiky hair. A cigarette permanently in his mouth and the standard Jounin gear. With a sash hanging from his hip saying "Twelve Guardian Shinobi." He had mostly been having them spar for the day, mostly against himself. He claimed this would get them used to fighting a more powerful opponent. But in Shikamaru's opinion, he found it fun trashing them. And trash them, he did. When Shikamaru attempted to surrender in the first round, he was beaten until he defended himself. Only to be trashed anyway. And it had been a cycle of pain. Despite having defeated them all twice, he seemed still ready to go. Luckily, Sai seemed slippery and a long-range fighter, buying the other two time to rest.

  "What a drag. What kinda guy has this stamina." Shikamaru complained.

  "You're not wrong, it's impressive. I could barely use jutsu in that second round, yet he looks fresh as a daisy." Tenten agreed.

  "Inhuman is what it is," Shikamaru continued, his frustration evident. Tenten giggled at this, making Nara glance over for an instant. "Can I pick your brain for a moment?" He asked

  "I guess," Tenten replied flippantly.

  "Somethings off about Sai. He's nice enough, but it feels empty. Plus, he has the oddest compliments. It's like he's trying to pretend to be human. I had pondered that he's mentally insecure somehow, but the why bothers me." Shikamaru's keen observation skills were at play, and it made Tenten pause and consider her words.

  Tenten felt her heart tighten but reigned it back with enough ease. "So people are just born different. I feel bad for him; we need to do our best to help him." Her empathy for Sai was palpable, and it resonated with Shikamaru.

  "Hmm, good point," Shikamaru replied simply. Silence reigned for a second, but Shikamaru didn't mind. It allowed him to think. Despite his casual tone, Sai slightly unnerved him. Tenten was open-minded. But as someone who had just met him, it seemed odd. Whenever Shikamaru got annoyed with the artist's behavior, Tenten defended him. Often very well. Almost as if she expected to have to. This unease, this feeling of something not quite right, it kept Shikamaru's mind busy.

  Shikamaru had the oddest feeling his team was very, very troublesome. However, in dealing with Sai's oddities and Tenten's defense of him, he was learning to be more patient and understanding. Maybe this troublesome team was exactly what he needed to grow. Or just a pain in his ass.

  AN

  Remastered: Okay, this chapter, at the very least, wasn’t terrible. It definitely had some improvements to be made and was elongated, but I am glad the original didn’t seem like the worst thing in the world. Finally, getting into the meat and potatoes, sort of speak. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading it, and let me know your feedback. Peace~!