Chapter 45

A week had passed, since Naruto had joined Team 11. It was a very very very long week for Naruto, because he had to deal with three annoying brats.

One of them was a lazy bastard that dislikes all physical labour, another was a gossiping blonde bitch that could not keep her mouth shut, especially when talking about an emo lord called Sasuke. The last but not the least, was the fatso that always had something edible stuffed in his mouth every time he looked at him and not to mention that this fatso was a big coward.

Naruto disliked cowards, they only know how to yap about forgiveness, mercy and running away from a fight.

The only thing that prevented him from going insane, was the peaceful game of Shogi between him, Shikamaru and Asuma.

Although Shikamaru had managed to score a few wins against Naruto, he managed to do it with great difficulty. Because Naruto's never had a stratergy to begin with any way.

'' The enemy will never figure out your plan, when you don't have it in the first place. '' Naruto said feeling that he stole this line from someone.

Naruto heavily relies on on-the-spot counter attack stratergy as he calls it. It was basically a combat tactics he often used against his brothers.

The enemy attacks, he attacks back but with more ferocious attacks, then using the same move against them.

Naruto attacks were unpredictable, and even tougher to escape and counter.

That made Shikamaru thinking for a long time, just how to get a somewhat decent plan to defeat him. Because none of hid tricks seemed to work on Naruto the second time.

This improved Shikamaru's tactical plan making brain of his by many levels, especially with dealing with unpredictable enemies. Because none of his opponents were this unpredictable as Naruto.

He always liked to be in control in a fight, planning ahead of his enemies, making traps for them to fall and suffer. But when facing against Naruto, he was sent out of his comfort zone and had to deal with an entity who he could not predict its next action.

Naruto on the other hand had found a new way to relax, that is to play Shogi with his brothers.

Which he currently was doing with Kuromaru. It had started for a few minutes, Naruto moved his piece to counter Kuromaru's previous attacks. All looked well and good, Naruto had many ways to capture the victory.

'' Checkmate. '' Kuromaru killed Naruto's king.

'' What the fuck?!'' Naruto was shocked, how in the hell did he lose.

'' First brother, you should have paid more attention to you king. You left him too open. ''

' This has to be a mistake. '

'' I want a rematch. ''

'' Ok. ''

Twenty moves later...

'' Checkmate. '' Kuromaru killed Naruto's king, again.

'' Rematch. '' Naruto demanded. Naruto is not a fan of superstition but the phrase, '' Third time's the charm. '' Could help him... maybe.

Twenty five moves later...

'' Checkmate. '' Naruto lost again.

' This guy is good. ' Naruto mentally praised Kuromaru, ' I think that even Shikamaru would have a tough time beating him. '

'' You guys playing Shogi? Count me in ! '' Konohamaru arrived at the scene wrapping his arms around Naruto and Kuromaru. '' But be warned, I am a vetaran at this game. '' He said with with a shameless smug on his face.

'' Yeah right as if. '' Akira said with a ' you think I'm stupid look as he arrived at the scene with Akio strolling behind him. '' I may not know how to play this game, but I do know that you need to be a good tactician to win, which I doubt you even have. ''

'' You want to have a round with me bitch. '' Konohamaru taunted Akira.

'' You're on bastard. '' Akira snarled.

The game was was an interesting one. Akira would use a simple and dangerous tactic, that is to aggressively attack Konohamaru not allowing him to retaliate, while Konohamaru choose a different and sly tactic, of letting or forcing Akira to kill some of his pawns, so that he could kill an important piece. And what was more unfair was that Konohamaru, Shiro and Hester were working together against Akira.

'' It's a draw? '' Konohamaru and Akira asked in disbelief.

'' I demand a rematch! '' They both demanded.

'' No. '' Naruto rejected their demands.

'' Why? ''

'' It's simple you see. '' Naruto pointed at a clock at the wall, showing that it was already 6 o'clock in the evening.

'' You two are taking too much time in winning a game. It's like you two are fighting a war of attrition. And that is bad. ''

'' That is bad... why ? '' Akira asked, while tilting his head.

'' You see when I play this game with Shikamaru, I learnt that you can tell an individual's fighting style just by playing the game. ''

'' Huh? '' Both Akira and Konohamaru were confused.

'' I get it now ! '' Kuromaru exclaimed on finding the meaning. '' When first brother, played this game, he uses his Counter attack stratergy, he also uses the

same stratergy while fighting. Third brother uses his usual and underhanded fighting style, forcing others to attack him only to be crippled by an obvious and sneaky attack. While fourth brother, uses his agressive and relentless attacks not allowing them to retaliate. ''

'' Oh. ''

Konohamaru and Akira came to a realization that this is another easier and relaxing way to come up with strategies to defeat your enemies.

'' But there is also a catch in that. Isn't it first brother? '' Kuromaru asked.

'' Yes there is. '' Naruto replied. '' Even when you managed to defeat each other with your stratergy, it is very difficult to implement it in real life. Because if your body cannot keep up with your stratergy, you would lose. ''

'' Kuromaru. '' Naruto turned to Kuromaru, '' I can that you are a good tactician. Make good use of it. ''

'' Yes, First brother. ''

That evening, they played a few games each even Akio played as well, but all of them were swiftly defeated by Kuromaru.

[ The next day ]

Today, naruto was to join another team for the next week and its back to Hinata's.

' It's just a week... ' Naruto was to meet his new team at a bridge, but what greeted him was a pale skinned kid, with black hair and a fake smile that was plastered on his face.

'' Ah you must be Naruto-san. '' The black haired kid greeted him, with that fake smile.

'' Yeah, where are your teammates ? '' Naruto had no time for useless chatter and went straight to the point.

'' Well you see, Duck butt and pink bitch will be arriving a little later and as for Kakashi-sensei I don't know. ''

'' Duck butt and pink bitch? looks like you have a talent for nicknames. '' Naruto said, his words flowing with sarcasm.

'' Thank you for the compliment, '' He replied, '' I actually learnt from a book that calling people with nicknames can help you strengthen your bond with them. And the names should come with honesty. Hmmm... how about I call you pedophile. ''

Naruto face turned sour, '' I assume this is your honest view on me ? ''

'' Yes, when I see you flirting with Hinata-san, your height difference make it seems like you are a pedophile. ''

'' Alright kid, let me give you some advice. '' Naruto placed his hand on the black haired kid's shoulder. '' When you come up with a nickname for someone, try not to be too honest, or else you might get seriously hurt. ''

Naruto had a tough time dealing with Hester's brutal honesty, he might get into a big problem without even realizing it.

'' Why? '' The black haired kid asked.

'' You don't have to ask why, just follow my advice and you will not fall into trouble. ''

'' Ok. ''

'' What's your name ? ''

'' Sai. ''

Not moments later, two new people arrived at the bridge.

One was the Emo kid, Sasuke Uchiha and the pink bitch Sakura Haruno, which he recognized by Sai's description on them.

'' You're Naruto ? '' Sasuke asked.

'' The one and only. ''

'' Fight me. ''

'' Huh? '' Naruto cleaned his ears with his pinky finger, then cupping his hand on his ear, '' Ok, say that again. ''

'' I said fight me. '' Sasuke stated. '' I can tell that you are strong, just by looking at you. ''

Naruto didn't understand this kid infront of him. Why the hell is he challenging him to a fight. Does he have a death wish or some thing.

'' I like to fight strong opponents, and you are strong. So fight me. ''

'' I don't get it but if want a fight, it's fine by me. '' Naruto went to his fighting stance, which was him just standing there.

'' Attack me. ''

Sasuke grabs a kunai on one hand, and he rushed straight towards Naruto.

'' SWOSH! ''

Sasuke stopped and stood there like a statue, sweating out of fear at the sight before his face.

Naruto had formed his four clawed fingers like a spear, stabbing forward with unbelievable speed, but stopped when it reached just centimeters away from Sasuke's face.

'' Never rush towards your enemy, without studying him for a few moments, lest you get killed in the process. ''

'' If I were to fight for real, you would have died. Don't get cocky and underestimate your enemies brat. ''

'' Alright guys enough with the violence, it's not good to get violent early in the morning. '' A new voice came from on top.

They all turned to see a masked man, with a gravity defying white hair, and had his left eye covered with his forehead protector.

'' Kakashi-sensei! '' Sakura exclaimed. '' You're early today. ''

'' Well it seems like today is my lucky day then. '' Kakashi smiled behind his mask.

Kakashi landed Infront of them, then walked towards Naruto, '' Welcome to Team 7 Naruto. '' Kakashi offered his hand.

Naruto took his hand and shook it, '' I have a feeling that I have met you before. ''

'' I don't know what you are talking about. ''

'' Really ? because you smell like a familiar dog masked Ninja, I met many years back. ''

'' Ah! That ? yes, that was me. ''

' Just another scum of the ninja world. '

The meeting was very short, as they went straight towards the mission hall. Sasuke, Sakura and Sai complained that they have done enough D~ rank missions and requested for a more challenging missions.

On gaining the approval of the Hokage, and their teacher Iruka, they were given a simple C~rank Escorting mission.

This sounded cool and all, but the person they were assigned was a bit disappointing.

'' These are the great ninjas that are going to protect me. '' A drunken old man complained with a slurred voice. '' I don't feel protected at all. ''

The man was Tazuna, a bridge builder from the Land of waters. He requested for a C~ Rank mission, to escort him back to his village.

They were all expecting a smooth mission, especially Kakashi and Naruto.

When they approached the Village gate, they all gathered to verify if they were ready to head out.

'' Alright is everyone here? '' Kakashi called.

'' Hai! '' They all responded.

'' We are going to out of the village for a week, so I hope you all have your required supplies with you. ''

They all nodded in response.

As they were about to head out, Naruto heard an angelic voice calling him. He turned around to see Hinata, running towards him with a lunch box in hand.

'' N-Naruto-kun. '' She said between breaths. '' It's for you. '' She handed him the lunch box.

'' Thanks Hinata-chan. With this, I will finish this mission in one day! '' Naruto exclaimed lifting the lunch box up in a dramatic manner, Hinata giggled at his antics.

'' Please come back soon. '' Hinata would certainty miss Naruto very dearly. She grabbed Naruto hand and gave him the saddest look that melted his heart.

'' I come back without a single scratch. '' Naruto declared, flexing his muscular arm to prove his point.

'' You two lovebirds done? '' Kakashi interrupted the moment. '' Because we have long road to travel. ''

Naruto bid his farewell to Hinata and his journey to the Land of Waters had commence, not knowing that dangerous people have painted a huge targets on their backs.

The journey was smooth at first, they were passing a plain and grassy patch of land, with the bright sun shinning happily on them. None of the Genin on the team were aware that an ambush was waiting for them.

Except Kakashi and Naruto.

'' Kakashi, don't you feel that those puddles seemed a bit off. '' Naruto whisper as his gaze was fixed on two random water puddles that seemed out of place in this sunny plain area.

'' Looking at the sky, '' Kakashi responded with a whisper, '' I can tell that it has not rain for a few days, which means...''

'' It's an ambush. '' Naruto concluded.

As they pass through the two puddles, two Ninjas suddenly emerged from the puddles. With out any warning, they rushed towards Kakashi.

With unbelievable speed, They wrapped a spiked chain, around Kakashi completely immobilization him.

In a blink of an eye, the chain that was connected to their clawed gauntlets was tugged. The spiked chain tore through Kakashi's flesh, tearing him into chunks.

Sakura screamed at the bloody murder that happened right before her very eyes.

'' One down. '' One of the ninjas said in a dark tone. '' Five more to go. ''

They then rushed towards Tazuna with their spiked chain ready to kill the old bridge builder.

Sasuke and Sai blocked the ninjas, but they simply smirked.

'' DIE!!! ''

All of a sudden, they stopped moving. Someone, had halted their attacks. They quickly turned behind to see that Naruto had grabbed the spiked chain that was attached to their gauntlets.

With a strong pull, they were pulled back towards Naruto, who delivered a double clothseline flipping them inside out and they landed to the ground with a thud.

Naruto proceeded to grab their necks and lifting them above their feet. They chocked and tried to pry Naruto's vice like grip from their necks which proved to be pointless.

Seeing no way out, they stabbed their poison claws onto Naruto's arm.

'' We've poisoned you. '' One of the Ninjas sneered.

'' Release us and we might give you the antidote. '' Another said with a cocky f

grin.

'' You don't understand the situation you both are in. '' Naruto sighed. '' You are not in control here. ''

Naruto squeezed their necks a little tighter, making them impossible to breathe. And as their eyes began to rolled back, Kakashi appeared behind Naruto and grabbed his shoulder.

'' It's enough Naruto. ''

Naruto spat at the ground, as he released them they fell face first to the ground unconscious.

'' Kakashi-sensei!!! you're alive. '' Sakura was overjoyed that her Sensei did not die.

Kakashi then explained to his team how he figured out that they were being ambush, but now he had more important matters to attend to.

'' Tazuna-san, we need to have a small talk. ''