Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. :-) But I sure love it! ^_^689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuIneVLolI
---689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEyEz3CNyC
**Iruka Umino:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kxcy752ps
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE3N8frlq2
I had started the team assignments a while ago and now, I'm wondering if Minashi and Naruto would come as they said they would last night. It's not a surprise if they're already on a mission though. They are indeed strong ninjas of this village and Hokage-sama relies on them to get things done.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt0B8HKTDA
"Team seven!" I announce. "Sasuke Uchiha! Sa--"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV34AIYNW3z
I am cut off when I hear three slow knocks on the already open door. I turn and I see Naruto leaning on the door frame, smiling calmly. "Good morning, Iruka-sensei."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW20xIetiY
"Naruto-san, you came." I tell him with a slight bow and he does the same. Their mission is officially over now and Naruto is on the same rank as me. It is only right to treat him as such. "I thought you would not come."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyr0wu51Nh
"Well, I *did* say I'd come." He tells me with a smile. "And here I am now."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9usUumN3Uq
I nod. "Well, you can have the stage, Naruto-san." I tell him with a smile. "Go and blow their minds. But not literally, okay?" I hurriedly add the last sentence.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZof7OgurN
He smiles."Relax, Iruka-sensei." He tells me. "Nobody's getting hurt."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfciuayUD7U
I nod, knowing he's right. I guess I'm just being paranoid. There's no way the twins would hurt anyone in my class. They're not *that* evil.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNUZJMZ5FO
"Good morning, everyone!" Naruto says, smiling at his classmates.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTCSu4IzWS
"What are you doing here, Naruto?" Kiba asks, giving Naruto a skeptical look. "Only those who graduated are allowed in here."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl3vYiqMRA
"And what does this look like to you, Kiba?" Naruto asks, pointing to his head protector that he currently has tied to his forehead.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqaExwH1fw
"Are you serious, Iruka-sensei?" Ino asks, looking at me. "You let *him* graduate?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTy8YZQcaz
"Yeah." Sakura adds. "No offense but he doesn't look like the type who'd graduate."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡialv2U6IXz
I sigh, knowing this would happen. I'm not surprised though.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04T2JPf8TD
Naruto pretty much looks the same, the only difference is his height since Minashi must have undone the illusion to make him look short. He's probably two or three inches taller than Minashi now.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bOu5HiRx1
He's wearing the same orange clothing and blue ninja sandals that he usually wears in school. I don't know why he likes that color though. It makes a person think of him as an idiotic person. After all, what kind of ninja wears brightly coloured clothing if his job is to be stealthy?689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgjr7V8gpd
But as for Naruto, he likes it that way. For people to underestimate him. And then, he'd prove them wrong. I guess he just likes to see the looks on their faces when he *does* prove them wrong.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6VKjzn5Yx
"Sakura-chan, you're so mean." Naruto says, feigning hurt but then turns serious right after. "Well, no matter. I get that a lot, anyway. I bet that's what everybody else thinks about me." He scans his eyes on the whole classroom, looking at my students. "You all think I'm just a useless, idiotic guy who loves to do pranks."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtgbhrCCT4
"Well, it's true." Kiba speaks up, making me turn to him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUBmHQyuwC
"Kiba.." I scold him, my tone hard and reprimanding. "You're being disrespectful."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZweTOMEKNu
Kiba turns to me, looking incredulous that I just defended my most mischievous student. I also feel looks of disbelief from my other students.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYUp6fa97E
"What are you saying all of a sudden now, Iruka-sensei?" Ino asks. "That we should respect him? As far as I know, he doesn't deserve any."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcqOOUIR25
I am about to reprimand Ino when I see Naruto gesture me to stop. "It is alright, Iruka-sensei." He tells me. "I am used to hearing insults from the likes of them."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yT9bteFXp
"What's that supposed to mean, dumbass?" Kiba says, looking irked. Akamaru also growls lightly at Naruto.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8TUXgykrE
"Really now?" Naruto says, rolling his eyes and them smirking. "You say I'm a dumbass and yet you do not understand what I said. Now who's the dumbass?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwvl5wiAN2
I could hear snickers from the boys and Kiba bares his teeth in anger. "You wanna go right now?!!" He yells as he makes his way to Naruto while Akamaru hurriedly trails behind him. "I'll teach you a lesson!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSnQhWWPHV
Me, being the teacher, move so I can stop Kiba. But then, in a second, I see a flash of red and Minashi is instantly in front of Kiba, blocking the Inuzuka's way. Kiba instantly stops on his tracks, looking at Minashi in a confused manner. Akamaru, who's right beside Kiba now, also seems confused at her sudden appearance.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTfHbzeoaS
"Whoaw." Kiba mutters, admiringly looking at Minashi from head to toe, not at all recognizing the person in front of him. "Who are you?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6aU7zjhsm
"For six agonizing months I've been your classmate.." Minashi mutters. "..and now, you don't recognise me? *Nice.*" She adds the last word sarcastically.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDyjdj06hd
"Wait a second.." Kiba says, narrowing his eyes at Minashi. "You sound familiar." He then sniffs the air around Minashi. "You smell familiar too." His eyes widen once he finally realizes. "Minashi?!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirZ0DGS14b
"Duh." Minashi answers and the whole class erupts into shouts of disbelief. No doubt they don't believe what they see.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN73fqhCa4w
"You look so different!" Kiba says, looking at Minashi once again. "Wow!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1veU5XFXrX
I'd say different is an understatement. In the academy, Minashi mimicked the actions of a lazy girl who doesn't seem to have time to groom herself nor have any reasons to care about anything. Now, she looks so smart and full of authority. And though she's always so sarcastic, she's pretty good at reading situations.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IMEp7bapW
For her clothing, she wears a red sleeveless tunic and then black shorts that stops about two inches above her knees; at the hem of her shorts, scrolls are strapped tightly. Her red hair is tied into a loose braid with her head protector placed on her head like a headband.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qJucL3B9H
"Yes." Minashi mutters, waving her hand in a dismissive manner. "Now, how about you stop your drooling and go back to your seat, Kiba-san?" Minashi states and then suddenly glares at Kiba, while at the same time, releases a killing intent that's strong enough to send chills down my spine. "I don't take it lightly when someone looks down on my brother."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEO1BwTeEu
"Whoaw.." Kiba says, backing away a bit. I can tell that he feels it too - Minashi's killing intent. He just doesn't know what it is. "Since when did you care? And besides, he started it!" Kiba defends himself, pointing to Naruto in an accusing way. "That blockhead called me a dumbass!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdvgLnJM8f
"Call my brother any more names and I just might make you regret it." Minashi threatens, making Kiba gulp and take a step back. Akamaru, however, bravely steps in front of his master and growls at Minashi. Clearly he doesn't like it when someone threatens Kiba.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMoKI7fk7r
"Heh.." Kiba says, smirking. "Threaten me and Akamaru might just bite you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBilP5kWaU
Minashi ignores Kiba's comment, kneels down and smiles at the growling ninja hound. "I understand your loyalty to your master." She says, making Akamaru lessen his growling and making him listen to her. "Then you must surely understand why I threatened Kiba." Minashi adds.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIVAX0XvSE
This makes Akamaru stop growling and look at Minashi in a confused manner. Minashi sighs. "You and I are the same, Akamaru." She says. "We are only protecting the ones whom we hold dear. Don't you think so?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCgWOO6OQ7
Akamaru barks in agreement to Minashi and begins wagging his tail, clearly liking Minashi now. I just remain silent the whole time even though I'm quite amazed by how Minashi managed to befriend Akamaru in mere seconds.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4nxRX5Z73
"What the!" Kiba exclaims in disbelief. "Akamaru?!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4KdedDjGs
Minashi turns to him. "Just go back to your seat, Kiba-san." She mutters, gently patting Akamaru's head. "Akamaru's a great companion. You should care for him just as he does for you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI1UHEm7Zz
"O-okay.." Kiba says, seating himself on his desk. Though it's quite clear that he's still surprised.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwd06BERkm
Now, I sigh in relief and find this as the perfect opportunity to introduce Naruto and Minashi to the class. "Everyone, Minashi-san and Naruto-san are not true students of the academy." I announce. "They are both ninja of chunin rank, assigned to work undercover and expose a traitor among the teachers. Thus, the reason why they were enrolled to the academy."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgcHJ7LMBU
I can hear murmurs from the whole classroom. Most students don't believe the things I had said.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv11SyRNlx
"Most of you don't believe it, I see." Minashi says, looking like she could care less. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUTHbnqZ6W
"Of course we don't." Ino is the one to stand. "The info might have come from Iruka-sensei but you and Naruto don't look like chunin. In fact, I don't think you would even match against me." She adds the last sentence smugly.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGupNSpEV6
"Judging me and my brother by the way we look, huh?" Minashi says, looking at Ino. "A stupid choice, really."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI5RYoM6xl
"What?!" Ino shouts, looking infuriated. "How dare you, Minashi!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2nIgSF5mj
"I'm just stating facts here, Ino-san." Minashi mutters, shrugging. "Let's say I'm your enemy." She takes a few steps forwards. "And then, you underestimate me." She stops and then smirks. "But suddenly, something like *this* happens."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtFXF8gX6t
Just after Minashi finishes her sentence, a golden chain with a blade attacked on the tip, sprouts from her back and launches itself at Ino. It was all so fast that all I see is a blur and the next thing I see is the blade a mere centimeter away from piercing Ino's throat.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9K1dYtsOS
As I can observe, Ino had frozen in place, not at all expecting the attack. I can even notice her shaking in fear.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17rHrRSk6m
"See what I mean, Ino-san?" Minashi mutters, the chain now retracting to her back and disappearing. "Never underestimate an enemy. It might cost you your life. Okay?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AE34F68YM
"Y-yes." Ino stutters, sitting back into her desk.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyQ3rp7Jdr
"Well, now that I have everyone's attention.." Minashi says, turning to the whole class. "My brother has something to say." She then steps to the side, letting Naruto take the stage.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiPsOfVOfE
"Well, we're only here to introduce ourselves. And this time, for real." Naruto says, smiling. "Through our names remain the same, we'd like to correct your knowledge about our surname. It's not Uzumaki. It's Namikaze."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13lqKpeBu8
"Wait a second!" Sakura exclaims, standing up. But soon she regrets it Minashi turns to her. "Oh.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSytdb2qg2H
Minashi scoffs, seemingly amused by Sakura's actions. "Sakura-san, I don't bite." Minashi says. "So please, stop trembling and tell us what's on your mind."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzZDHfPObX
Sakura looks at Minashi for at least two seconds before sighing. "Y-your surname.." Sakura says. "Namikaze is t-the surname of our f-former fourth hokage. Are you related to him?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFwelIpqjR
"We are his children, Sakura-chan." Naruto is the one to answer. "Our father is the fourth hokage."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok8AAn9iZy
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAT????!!!!!" The whole class erupts into shouts of disbelief.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7lOQDo6bW
Minashi rolls her eyes. "What a way to express your surprise." She mutters. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTiRQSfD1M
"But how come none of us know that?" Ino asks. "If you really are the children of the fourth hokage, then how come none of us have heard of you. It must've been announced or something. It's just suspicious."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7glZYQr4d
"Ino-dear.." Minashi says. "We're not going to force you to believe. That is up to you." She then turns to the wall clock. "Well, it's running late and the hokage is expecting us. So, I guess we'll see you guys some other time."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CCkGZhvUr
"Wait!" I hear someone tell and then I see Sasuke suddenly stand up and make his way to the front. Why? I have no idea.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAor0hEytit
He stops not too far from Minashi and Naruto, glaring at the blonde bitterly. "Fight me, Naruto." He states. "Show me just how strong you really are."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ycH0x0wkW
"Sasuke, you are in no position to challenge Naruto-san." I immediately tell him. "Go back to your seat."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaq40ITlbB
"Mind your own business." He Uchiha utters rudely, not at all breaking his glare at Naruto. "I am going to defeat him!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG0GjdjaZH
I turn to Minashi so I could ask for help but I see she's not doing anything. She just stares at Sasuke calmly.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4uOmjPKDF
"Sasuke, I'd really love to accept." Naruto says, turning to Sasuke with a grin. "But I don't engage in needless battles. Besides, Minashi and I are gonna be late so w--"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO1aRXv7oQ
"You're just saying that because you're a coward!" Sasuke yells, cutting Naruto off. "You're not even strong as you claim to be, right? You are weak!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3i0Tbh0UP
I am about to intervene again when I see Minashi gesture me to let him be. So, I decide to remain silent instead.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhWkm6vza4
"Strength is not determined by how many battles you fight, Sasuke." Naruto states. "Sometimes being strong means being able to know which battles must be fought and to choose how you make it end."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uaJM0gxJF
"Big words." Sasuke says. "Well then, I choose to fight you and I *am* going to defeat you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BtZi3GbMM
"That's not what I mean." Naruto groans, deadpanning.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWp6UKdI6i
Sasuke now does a fighting stance, making Naruto scratch his head in frustration. "Oh my God." He exclaims. "Why don't you get it? I. Don't. Want. To. Fight. You. Okay? So just stop it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn2hZwnZ2n
Without wasting time, Sasuke launches himself at Naruto but then he stops himself, skidding a bit, when Minashi steps in between Naruto and him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU3sqtTr54
"Get out of my way, Minashi!" Sasuke yells. "I want to fight Naruto!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1exnqODVds
"As fun as this may be, we are needed elsewhere." Minashi tells him. "Somewhere more important than this little challenge of yours.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK0uKs0Ad6
"This will only take a minute." Sasuke insists. "I will defeat your brother before that." He adds in an overconfident tone.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi67GxhEBJ9
**Minashi Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTv1DtJchm
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSWaxLKhXn
*Such a typical Uchiha.* I resist the urge to roll my eyes at Sasuke's arrogance. He really thinks he's better than Naruto when he's not even half of what my brother is.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtimkgrLe1
"Such confidence." I say in a mocking tone, smirking. "However, I highly doubt that."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBzoaoqFjO
This immediately makes him glare at me. My smirk grows wider, knowing he's already getting angry. "What?" I ask mockingly. "I'm just saying. I *know* you won't last one minute against my brother."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNP4WNWOjN
"Minashi, you shouldn't be making him angry, you know." Naruto tells me, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. "He'll only want to fight me even more."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheKX6KtOm9
The smirk I send my brother immediately makes him understand what I'm trying to do. Naruto sighs. "Fine, Minashi." He then turns to Sasuke, not at all showing any interest in the fight that's about to happen. "If you want it so bad, then come at me, Sasuke. See if you'll last one minute against me."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF6KywgCQ9
With that said, Sasuke immediately dashes past me. I just sigh and stay put, not bothering to watch the fight. Naruto can handle him without my help anyway. Besides, it's better to sense than watch.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqvO4m2ZxQ
So, I close my eyes to sense what's about to happen. True enough, Naruto counters Sasuke's punch with a backhand. Naruto then grabs hold on Sasuke's arm and flings him to the wall, Sasuke's back hitting the wall with a loud thud. Before Sasuke could recover, Naruto unseals four kunais that are all linked together by a chain. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCxtxj48R6
Then, with high accuracy, Naruto throws all four kunais at Sasuke. One kunai pierces the wall just above Sasuke's right shoulder and another above Sasuke's left shoulder. The other two kunais pierce the wall beside Sasuke's left and right hip. The chain attached to the kunais forms an X on Sasuke's chest and successfully pins him to the wall.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8l3YGSIAN
"What the hell!" Sasuke yells as he struggles to set himself free but to no avail.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ711sJi02j5
"Just stop, Sasuke." Naruto says. "That's enough! You will only get hurt."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyMZdiEyL9
"Coward!" Sasuke yells. "Using weapons to win! You call that fighting?!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvqo9fnO31
"So what if I used weapons?" Naruto asks. "Did you really think I'd play it fair?" He shakes his head. "This is what it's like in the real world, Sasuke." Naruto mutters. "In a serious fight, survival can only be obtained if you learn to play by the enemy's rules. Which has only one rule actually - Never play fair."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqIEJMOfjs
I turn around, smirking. "I told you so." I mutter, looking at Sasuke. "You should really listen, you know."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsXbwHvRot
"Shut up, Minashi." Sasuke mutters narrowing his eyes at me.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BF2C8zEJ6
"Whatever you say." I mutter, snapping my fingers and resealing the weapons that have him pinned to the wall. "So, may we leave now?" I ask him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zXqTxrhK9
He just raises an eyebrow at me, making me nod. "Silence means yes." I tell him as I grab Naruto's arm. "Naruto and I will be leaving now." I then turn to Iruka-sensei and wave at him. "Bye, Iruka-sensei. See you whenever."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkeliIsTMf
Then, I drag Naruto out the door. Once we're outside, and are out of hearing range, I let go of Naruto and chuckle. My twin shakes his head and sighs.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvztcwgDDn
"You know, sometimes you're evil." He tells me.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiOb2uWrTf
"He deserved it." I merely reply. "After being so arrogant and all."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FJkgCCGEL
"Well, I guess you're right."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk35h5eR1X
"Of course I am." I mutter.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdksmRZ6oiH
He grins. "Now, what do you say?" He asks, readying himself to run. "Race you to the hokage tower?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02KFTolu3m
"Sure" I smirk as I also ready myself. "Last one gets to treat the winner to ramen!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDguQ3n5Kky
"You betcha."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXQIYAfUlx
**Hiruzen Sarutobi:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp02uOlo4pj
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lHPzRrsNr
I huff smoke from my pipe and then look at the piled papers scattered all around my office. There's still so much to do and less time to do it. Long ago, I would finish everything quickly so I would have free time to spare. But now, I guess I'm just getting old.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4chmvL6mQ
The door suddenly slams open, startling me. I almost dropped my pipe during the process. I then sigh once I recover and look at the people who just entered - Naruto and Minashi.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZJfj3jsRA
They are both sweating so much but are not out of breath at all. "Looks like I won this one, Brother." Minashi says, smirking at Naruto. "Ramen's on you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mukb4TWOP
"Hey! No fair!" Naruto retorts, glaring at Minashi. "I tripped on a banana peeling! I could've won!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZPHrpYmpA
"Of course you would have." Minashi replies, shaking her head in amusement. "You're faster than me, there's no doubt about that. But I guess lucks on my side today."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F16baDVQj
"Fine." Naruto says, sighing. "Ramen's on me then."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW0gD3muq1
After their little conversation, both Naruto and Minashi turn to me. Naruto winks. "Hey Gramps!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG4PCdJPNL
"Another race, I presume?" I ask them although I already know the answer to that question.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt07l9Qvz9z
"Yeah.." Naruto replies with a huge grin on his face. "It's quite fun. And it helps with improving our speed."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkjxEertPx
I smile at him. "Well, you're unusually cheerful today, Naruto?" I ask the energetic blonde. "You're usually grumpy during mornings due to *Minashi ruining your precious sleep.*"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vmj6arBAB
"He woke up by himself today." Minashi answers, crossing her arms and shrugging. "He was excited to reveal our true identity to our said classmates."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d99U0eS71
"I see." I nod. "How'd it go, then?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLaii0lEsW
"You should have seen their faces, Gramps!" Naruto chuckles. "They were so shocked to know that we are the fourth hokage's children. It's just so funny."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO40oFPhhX
I chuckle. "Well, that's expected." I say. "After all, you played your role well."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeGWRtdsyz
"Not just me." Naruto says, wrapping his arm around Minashi's waist. These twins are so close that people who don't know they're siblings would mistake them for lovers. "Minashi also did a good job."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLS9mymUl3
"Of course I did." Minashi says, rolling her eyes and smirking playfully. "I'm not even gonna enumerate the things I did last night just to track Mizuki's comrades."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sd4fs9xhB
Naruto rolls his eyes. "Hey.. I was the one who bought you time to get rid of Mizuki's comrades." He says.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLFOnVBJTw
"That, you did." Minashi smiles. "Now, let's just ask for a mission. We're wasting Gramp's time." She turns to me and so does Naruto.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XxtfWphRI
I take out a scroll with all the listed B-ranked missions. "I've already assigned a mission for you, Children." I tell them.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6R839OOqT
"You did?" Naruto says with a pout. "But it was my turn to choose." He whines in a childlike way.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn7Kf6sbeV
I sigh. "Well, I'm sorry but I find that you and Minashi are the ones fitting for this mission." I explain.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVEo1OBQ14
"Oh alright." Naruto says in a begrudging manner. "I guess it's okay."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhnoSOu7cC
"Naruto.." Minashi says in a warning tone. "Mind your tone. You are talking to our Hokage."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DuIlHNdPY
"Yeah. I know." Naruto says, sighing. "So, what's the mission, Gramps?" He asks, this time with eagerness. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUuQfkpaWE
"It's a protect and escort type." I reply, looking over the right file.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeARvMST6Zs
"Who're we escorting?!" Naruto exclaims, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "An enchantress?! A beautiful woman?! A princess?!" He grins from ear to ear.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcrcjnwNMB
I chuckle, amused by his actions. "Now.. now.." I say. "Don't get too excited, Child."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslK2Z5MddB
"Who?! Who?!" He exclaims yet again.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHQj6zDFK4
"Naruto, you're being annoying again." Minashi is the one to tell him off. Naruto glares at her, making her raise an eyebrow. "Don't even think about getting me started again." She tells him. "Do you want to wash your own clothes next time?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTWhBzNuxs
Naruto's eyes widen. "No!" He exclaims, grinning. "I was just glaring at you because of how cool you scolded me. I'm envious. Ahehehe.." He then scratches his head.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl558rbsBvl
With a shrug, Minashi turns to me. "Please continue, Hokage-sama."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeDsUIjYAY
I chuckle, amused at the twins. "You will be escorting Frost Akuma." I tell them. "He is the prince of the Land of Snow. And I also happen to be his godfather."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi3DAxlso6
"A prince?!" Naruto says, shoulders drooping and disappointment evident on his expression. "I was hoping it was a girl, believe it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9jLOZM6bL
"Now.. now.." I chuckle. "Don't be disappointed. He's around your age and once you get to know him more, you'll find he's quite interesting."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUxDpfvZGk
"I'm sure we'll get along just fine." Minashi mutters. "If he's not a jerk, that is."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaM6pCVGQl
I sigh. "That's what I'm worried about." I tell them before shouting a command to send the prince inside.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo02DdpHcuf
**Minashi Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd1ZNyDCEZ
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmmIzQsjIy
The door opens and a person enters - a boy that's just about our age. His hair is black and it is long, reaching up to his back. He currently has it tied into a loose ponytail.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqDzQWf2ss
His eyes are emerald green in color but I also notice how it glows in a slightly visible, golden color whenever light pierces them. His eyelashes are quite long and the expression he wears is that of seriousness.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyIZ0LMD9E
His composure fits that of his title - a prince, as he stands firmly and confidently. However, I just can't help but raise an eyebrow as I focus on what he's wearing.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarZ41PvXIz
He is wearing a silk blue kimono that's coupled with silk black loose pants and sandals adorned with shiny jewels. All in all, anyone can tell that he's a prince just by looking at him. But, the bandages that cover his right arm is completely out of place. There must be something he's covering or, it could be nothing. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48hOl1vQ53
Settting my own thoughts aside, I bow my head at the same time as Naruto did.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3S1AISQ80
"Frost, I would like you to meet your escorts: Naruto and Minashi." Gramps says. "I believe it is up to you to fill them in on the mission details?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOidXiLR5o
"I've got to admit, when you said escorts I expected someone *skilled*, Godfather." The prince comments as he looks at me and my brother from head to toe. His voice is husky, similar to Sasuke's, but a bit higher in pitch. "Not children who are more or less the same age as I am."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eRQHksT1y
"Whoaw.. Don't just go around judging everyone by the way they look." Naruto says, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. I can tell he's pissed. "We may be young, but we are no *children* either."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlK6poY5MW
"There really is no need for you to have me escorted, Godfather." The Prince says, completely ignoring my brother. "I'll be fine, really."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeA0cEErzz
"How insolent." Naruto grumbles angrily, to which I just shrug and gesture him to keep his cool. And then, I focus back to the conversation.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli4HvnjOkW
"No. I must insist, Frost." Gramps tells Frost. "What would King Mashisa do to me if he learns his son is not treated well."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikcPN5alKF
I keep myself silent as Gramps and Frost converse. I observe Frost's actions. I can tell that he's trying to hide something. His movements are tense and his smile is forced. I can only think of one reason why he's acting this way. He doesn't want anyone to be dragged into whatever mess he's in.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8CFeccDI4
I know Gramps noticed it too. And being the Godfather, he knows he cannot leave Frost all by himself. Judging upon Gramps's course of action, he believes the situation is dire. And that's where Naruto and I come in.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CXplodaOm
"Very well, Godfather." Frost says begrudgingly, smiling that forced smile once again. "I will take the escorts."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn5ppEEwQz
"Splendid!" Gramps says, smiling. Then he turns to Naruto and me. "Are you all packed?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDZQf1wKpM
"We are always ready for missions outside the village, Gramps!" Naruto exclaims.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE0eSAwG82
"Good, then." Gramps says. "You shall leave as soon as you can. Frost will tell you the details of the mission while you're on your way."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDY7d7tHHu
"Of course, Hokage-sama." I say and then turn to my brother. "Naruto, Buy the prince some new clothes. Bring him with you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKkUugQHDR
"Is there something wrong with what I am wearing, commoner?" Frost asks, raising an eyebrow at me.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLeqliICNT
"Even an idiot can tell you're a prince just by looking at you, Your Highness." I mutter, raising an eyebrow of my own. "Or perhaps you're stupid enough to believe that nobody would notice you're a prince even though you're wearing *that*"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7DVhlhGWX
His eyes seem to widen a bit before he settles with glaring at me. "How dare you speak to me that way." He says. "You are a commoner."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j50UVOpIN
"Well, I am a special kind of commoner." I tell him. "I don't care if you're royalty. I will only grant you the respect that you deserve. And currently, you only have your title which doesn't really affect my views."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBdX0APGO4
His glare intensifies by the time I finish and then he turns to Gramps. "Godfather, you allow her to speak that way?" He asks, looking incredulous as to why Gramps did not stop me. "She lacks discipline. You should have her punished."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OMakp8Gk9
"Hey, Prince." Naruto mutters, defending me. "You don't go around someone else's village and tell their kage what to do. You have no power here."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIQUxmhozg
"Now now." Gramps says, stopping our argument. "There is no need to fight over such small things." He then turns to Frost. "I believe Minashi is right, Frost." Gramps says, turning to the said Prince. "You should get some new clothing."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR5mjUyoz3
"You defend her?" Frost says, shaking his head in disbelief. "And here I thought you were a good leader. You're just an old man after all." He turns away, heading for the door. "Fine. I'll change my clothes."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEOdR4QqsH
I gesture Naruto to follow him and my brother immediately obeys. "And nothing orange, okay?" I tell him, making him glare daggers at me. "Just making sure." I shrug.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mjW8rTwQt
With a sigh, Naruto follows Frost out of the office and once I sense they are far enough, I turn to Gramps. "Well, he's a jerk."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxkrjwjpOt
Gramps sighs. "I know. I don't know what made him this way." He turns to me. "Will you accept the mission, then?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBipHLIVfud
I smile. "Of course we are." Then, I turn serious. "So, what's his deal? Got anything to tell me?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHcLNOMvPS
"Observant as ever, Minashi." He says. "You were able to know that he's hiding something. But I'm afraid I do not know what it is." He adds seriously. "He would not tell me anything."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4AQScyytu
"I see." I reply. "But, why is he here anyway? He's a little far away from home, don't you think?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwviA05Evs
"His father, King Mashisa Akuma, is a friend of mine. About twelve years ago, he entrusted to me half of an ancient amulet." Gramps says. "Though the amulet looks like an ordinary one, it's said that it once belonged to a powerful Akuma. I don't really know the details but I believe the amulet was once used with some sort of forbidden jutsu."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ3ZA6kTf0
"And Frost is here to take it back." I state. "But why? And why did he come alone if he is the prince? Shouldn't there be bodyguards?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcuFvextcH
"That is the mystery, Minashi." Gramps says. "It might be too much to send you on a mission without a full background. Bu--"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQes3ZRmqZy
"We'll do it, Hokage-sama" I cut him off. "Whatever Frost is hiding, we will figure it out and help him through it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX4pRrEim6
Gramps smiles. "I'll be counting on you, then. I owe Mashisa too many depts. It's time I repay him little by little."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza2FKbxM9a
I nod. "Well then. I will take my leave, Hokage-sama." I tell him. "We'll start the mission immediately."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQTGkkGWnE
"Oh, and as you can see, Frost might be a bit hard to handle at times." Gramps says with a smile. "Even I had a hard time trying to convince him to take escorts."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUlLjZH9Ov
"I don't know what he's like in the past." I say. "But I believe he has not changed. He's just trying to protect Naruto and I. Or more like he doesn't want to involve us in the trouble he's in. That's why he had said the things he did."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1q2fXuFWK
"Minashi, your observation skills are excellent." Gramps praises. "I will count on you to handle things on your journey."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRop3aiKew
"I will."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzUUOmQvsF
~~~689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIcy0bLcSH
**Naruto Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72sWXt2P5B
"I'm bored." I can't help but voice myself out.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiZs7r7QXh
We've been walking for hours and hours already. If the prince weren't with us, Minashi and I would have made it to the docks by now. But unfortunately, it's him that we are escorting so complaining is not an option.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeEuWmnAaM
Anyways, I'm glad the Prince is not wearing the kimono anymore. It's for his own safety, anyway. And I personally picked the clothing that he is wearing now: a sky-blue T-shirt with black swirls adorning it and black, loose, ninja trousers. As for his footwear, I chose dark-blue ninja sandals. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcExGIHxKrv
I couldn't get him to remove the bandages that cover his right hand though; despite the fact that I insisted because I knew it would ruin the style. He's just really stubborn. Even more than I am.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG27GljgyzP
"Hey, Prince!" I call to him, making him turn to me in an annoyingly graceful manner. "How far is your home?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWjgXv2lQi
"Complaining already, Commoner?" Frost says with an arrogant smirk. "You shouldn't have come if you're only gonna complain."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1iZgZ3Xuk
"That's it!" I spat angrily, glaring at him. "I've had enough of your crappy attitude! You think you're so great because you're a prince?! Well you're not! I bet you can't even defend yourself, right?!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHs96BArkm
He see him look at me hatefully before looking away and staying silent.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEWEKarXBh
"So what now?!" I yell. "You're not gonna say anything?!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpIkH1HKdJ
"Naruto, that's enough!" Minashi commands and I turn to her. "Go over there and cool off. You've said enough." She says, pointing to the woods. "Come back when you're alright to travel with Prince Frost."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnRq8360ga
I scoff, glaring at the Prince one more time before leaping into the forest. "Oh and be on you guard!" I hear Minashi shout on the last second.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4ORUVZZvr
**Minashi Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGURo0qiLx
I wait till Naruto leaves before turning to Frost. "I'm sure my brother will be alright soon, Your Highness." I tell him politely, resisting the urge to side with my brother. I have to be patient. "Please forgive the harsh words that he had said. I'm sure he did not mean it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwChrPpuXq
"He better be fast." Frost says in a rude tone. "He is wasting time."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvw3MXEY4I
"It would seem you are in a hurry." I say. "Why?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfCpDY1eZ1
"It's none of your business!" He says in a slightly risen tone. "Your job is to escort me! So just do it and then leave!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI1aAboPR3
He maintains a hardened front but I can sense all the emotions that he is emitting. One that is most clear is fear. "You are afraid." I state surely.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneAJV40H4m
"Afraid?" He scoffs, looking amused. "You're being delusional. A prince is never afraid!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkebACQjsY
"And yet you are, Frost." I tell him. He opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off. "You can deny it all you want but I know I'm right. You cannot hide all your troubles forever."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8EyQomH6k
"It matters not." He says seriously. "You are not obligated to help me and there is no reason to get you involved in my kingdom's problems." He then points himself. "I am Frost Akuma, the prince and the only heir to the Kingdom of Snow. And my kingdom is my responsibility, alone."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrPaMKeNEn
"Yes, you are the prince." I tell him just as seriously. I can't help it. His idea of being prince is all wrong. "But that doesn't mean that you have to shoulder each and every problem your kingdom encounters. A good prince knows when to ask for help from his allies so that he can protect his kingdom."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz57gqu4NW1
Just after I say that, I turn away from him. I don't want to lose my patience just talking some sense into him. I'll just let him be for now.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yEZg7QP1o
"Your brother is right." Frost suddenly says, getting my attention. "I am nothing but a useless prince. I failed to do so many things. I've done things that are wrong. But at least now, the only right thing I can do is make you go back to your village."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyXeK81xpN
"And what makes you think it's the right thing to do?" I ask him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT4328KTFP
"Because that way you won't have to die!" He yells angrily. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2QYakCDth
'It's just as I thought.' I can't help but think. The mess he's in, is a matter of life and death. No wonder he's trying his best to hide it. However, despite the things I'm thinking, I listen on to what he has to say.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLx8NR9X0n
"Can't you see?!" He continues. "I am trying to get rid of you! I am trying to make you hate me so you would leave me behind! So you would go back." He pauses. "Just.. leave."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg3Zp9Ju7y
"No." I state, making him turn to me, his face contorted in anger. "No matter how much you try to push me and my brother away, we are staying."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx3daySVZC
He bares his teeth angrily. "You don't under--"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAeCRjU6ho
"Oh don't even finish that sentence! It's you who doesn't understand!" I say in a risen tone, stopping him from saying anything. "Naruto and I, we are your allies. The only ones whom you can trust as of now. And yet you are pushing us away, treating us like we are only in your way! Remember this, Frost. When it's too late, you *will* regret it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoxtwKMPgt
I look at Frost direly, hoping that he would at least listen to what I had said. If he doesn't, then there is nothing more I can do about it.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylKXLnlnuc
"I'm baaaack!" I hear Naruto shout as he emerges from the forest. "And I'm alright now. Let's get on with the journey." He adds with a huge grin on his face.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWYq9fr2x6
I smile at Naruto, forgetting about the argument that Frost and I had. I should give him time. Perhaps he might open up to us. *Perhaps.*689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlEdJCMn9O
And so, we continue the journey. I take the lead, with Frost following right behind me and then Naruto is at the rear. A few minutes pass by and nobody says anything.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8hAI1n5Lo
**Frost Akuma:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKmeVUIcV7
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwicwxYEQPe
*Remember this, Frost. When it's too late, you will regret it.* Those words keep on playing in my mind. It makes me doubt the things I'm doing. And it's irritating me to no end.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl8sAd9f74
Not once have I doubted my decisions. It is one of the attributes that make me worthy, being the prince. I always look over the consequences before making a decision and because of that, I come up with the best option there is.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrddlONIRbE
Before I came to Konoha, I did a lot of thinking. I weighed each and every possibility that I might encounter. And the best option I can come up with is to never let anyone interfere with the things I'm doing. It's for the best. Not only for me but also for the people who are willing to help me.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2z1pOlsow
Suddenly, I feel Minashi grab my wrist and wrench me to her side. Then, I hear the sound of metal hitting metal ring through the air. I don't know what just happened. It was too fast for me to comprehend.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBCxYRPBrg
All I know is that now, Minashi is standing in front of me in a protective manner; golden chains with blades attached to each tip, dancing all around her. But the thing that confuses me is that Minashi is facing Naruto, ready to attack him anytime and Naruto is also doing a fighting stance, glaring at Minashi. *What is going on?*689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtucY6b8tKM
"What are you doing?" I can't help but ask. "He's your brother."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9COLjfwCd
"He is *not* my brother." Minashi answers me, only making me even more confused.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ3CpDuMJm
"You think I haven't noticed?" Minashi asks Naruto and I decide to remain silent. Whatever is happening now, I don't think I get it. Perhaps a sibling duel or something.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoXjJZw5rH
"Heheh." Naruto says, smirking. "You're good, Girl." And then, he explodes into smoke.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZRN73UZan
Once the smoke clears, my eyes widen when I see a man standing there. I don't know him. In fact, I haven't seen him before. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccNMIsZlja
The man seems to be more or less twenty years old. His hair is dark brown in color, coupled with black irises. His appearance seems ragged, telling me that this man is always on the move.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6oqJO5WKa
He is wearing a dirty, loose jacket with the front opened so as to display his chest and abdomen. Pairing that, he wears a black, ninja trouser that stops just below his knee. Bandages then cover the remaining part of his uncovered legs. And then, for his footwear, worn out ninja sandals.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDogvpEluRS
A weapon pouch is attached to his belt and is placed on his right hip. Weapon holders are strapped to his each side of his thighs. As for his head protector, I see none. He's probably a mercenary.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PNXiD8Q6m
"Makito Tamari." Minashi says, the golden chains retracting to her back until they are completely gone. "Number 57 of the C-ranked criminals listed in the bingo book."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3vdQiJjU9
"Well, you are well informed. For a girl." This said Makito says, smirk not faltering from his lips.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggXztOpRK7
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Minashi asks in a casual manner, as if she is not talking to an enemy. "You must be here for a reason, right?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB2tWO9Cin
"Well, yes." Makito says. "Just hand over the Prince." He gestures to me, making my eyes widen. Me? "And no harm will come to you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyitpUovD6
Minashi chuckles. "I don't think so." She says, readying herself to fight. "Prince Frost is under my protection and I will be his shield until he is safely returned to his home."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwgil6x1TP
"Very well." Makito replies, also readying himself. "I was itching for a fight anyway. I do hope you'll last longer than the blonde one. He was quite easy to kill."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sRrR1Ttuw
I let out a silent gasp when I heard what's been said. Naruto is dead? I immediately turn to Minashi, sympathy taking over every fiber of my being. She just lost her brother and I can't imagine the pain that she must feel.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaFxjsxO59
"I see." Minashi mutters, clenching her fists angrily. "May he be at peace then."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFdtkhoh0D
I can't help but look away, feeling guilty about all this. It saddens me to see someone try to be strong even when they are hurting so much.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkNXBqPB1B
"This is all my fault." I utter. "I.. I am so sorry, Minashi."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQRCmZSjdo
"There is no need to apologize, Frost. This is a life of a ninja." She tells me proudly. "We all lose the ones we love one way or the other. But despite that, we have to be strong. So we would be able to protect those who need us." She then gives me a sad smile.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlt238FDhs
"Just let him have me." I tell Minashi. "I don't want you to suffer the same fate as Naruto. Please."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qYNAJDUKE
"I already said it, Your Highness." Minashi says, smile not faltering. "Naruto and I will remain even if you push us away." She then turns to Makito, now wearing a smirk on her lips. "Give it your best shot, Makito."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UwRMcobo2
"Summoning Technique!" Makito yells and slams his hand to the ground, making smoke erupt there. And when the smoke clears, I can see that he had summoned two gigantic tigers. "Heheh.. let's see you handle this, Girl."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImV8FNr7Qj
I scrunch my forehead once I realize something. What am I doing? This is not me. I clench my fists and look at the enemy with determination. I can't just stand here and do nothing!689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiajtoZNdgY
Without hesitation, I take Minashi's side, making her look at me in a questioning manner. I just smile at her as I remove the bandages that covered my right hand up till this time.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL983UxED2
"Minashi, I may not be a ninja like you are.." I tell her as I continue to remove the bandages. "..but I can fight. And there is no way I'm letting you fight him alone for my sake."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jvQzmWRWW
I finish removing the bandages, revealing what I have been concealing up till now: the mark of the blade. It might look like a mere symbol of a sword that's burnt unto the back of my hand. But only few in our clan are blessed with this mark.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj1JXjrWXy
I glare at Makito and whip my marked hand towards the ground. The mark glows with green and golden light before the said light forms a sword in my very hand. Then the light slowly vanishes and I now wield a sword that's adorned with a golden hilt and emerald gems.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjnsFrHYdw
"Minashi, we will fight him together." I tell Minashi, turning to her with a smile.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhSNrAohL9
She smiles back. "It's good to have you back on track, Your Highness." She replies before turning to Makito. "Did you hear that, Makito? You are outnumbered. And clearly outmatched."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLH262zpcN
"Hahaha!" Makito laughs. "You think a sword is going to scare me? I've seen worse. Believe me."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivgM0YQxmk
"So confident.." Minashi says, chuckling amusedly. "You think you have won but you really haven't, Makito-dear."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0f2QISA0G
Just after Minashi says that, both of the tigers that Makito had summoned erupts into nothing but smoke.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGBWPYzxE9
"What the!" Makito exclaims, eyes wide as he whirls his head from side to side in panic.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59exovy9ZY
"Do not move." I feel relief immediately wash over me when I see the owner of the voice standing just behind Makito, pointing a dagger to the said mercenary's neck. Naruto. "Or I might end up cutting your throat off." He adds in a serious tone.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb02enb9dkc
Minashi chuckles. "Good to have you back, Brother."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo2DqNASlH
"Y-you?!" Makito says, eyes wide. "But I killed you! I saw you die with my very own eyes!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcezhFjzlG
"Man, you must be really stupid." Naruto comments, rolling his eyes. "I used kawarimi on the very last second. But I poured more chakra into the technique to make the illusion last longer."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPJGtVkd9t
"Damnit!" Makito says angrily. "I can't believe I fell for that!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wKMWwd1Ai
"You just did." Naruto says before he knocks Makito out. Then he turns to us. "Well, that was easy."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbwbFh8zzU
"Tie him up so we can transport him to prison." Minashi commands, tossing a rope to Naruto. "And be fast. We have a boat to catch."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HB1BNWZIz
"Yeah. Yeah." Naruto replies.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlqalh720r
**Minashi Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7uObf7Dky
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojvRzY4xf1
I walk up to Frost just as he makes his sword disappear back into the mark that he has on the back of his hand. Based on observation, it would seem that the mark allows him to summon a sword with the use of his will. I can also tell that he is well trained in wielding a sword by the way he held the weapon a while ago.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMRZ1trMmV
"Why do you hide it?" I can't help but ask him out of curiosity when I see him cover the symbol again. I don't expect him to answer my question though. He'll probably tell me to mind my own business.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzHmpfgsZA
"It just reminds me of a memory that I long to forget." He mutters, and I've got to admit I'm surprised.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7N0kRfjcI
He doesn't say anything more to elaborate and just concentrate on tying the bandages with only one hand. And let's say he's doing a messy job.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW1OXq9QGh
So, I make my way in front of him. "Let me, Your Highness." I say, gently prying away his other hand and retying the bandages for him. Surprisingly, he lets me be until I finish.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fFGxstrjv
"We should move soon." I say right after I finish tying the bandages. "We've wasted enough time here." I then turn to Naruto, who's currently tying up Makito. "Naruto, are you done yet?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L1V7dB2N6
"Geez, give me a little more time. Will ya?" Naruto grumbles, glaring at me. "The guy's heavy and a little help would be nice."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9BJiH2A01
I roll my eyes. "Then why aren't you using your clones?" I ask him with a raised eyebrow.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWcG3PmTMT
This makes him turn to me with a huge grin on his face. "Minashi, you are a genius!!" He exclaims and immediately creates two of his clones to help him out.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6JIQZ52fj
I can't help but shake my head. *Sometimes, he just doesn't use his head.*689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99N1VdOvLO
"Minashi, how did you know about Makito?" Frost suddenly asks me, curiosity can be seen in his eyes.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXokxzVoj7
"Well, let's just say he might have underestimated us a bit. He only hid his appearance and did not bother with masking his chakra. So, I knew all along that someone has been following us since the very beginning" I reply. "When you and Naruto started arguing, I found that as the best chance to send Naruto there and figure out if the person following us is an enemy."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MbOOE3WRW
"And weren't you worried if Naruto would be attacked?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx5UQhq8Rk
"Nah." I reply, shrugging. "I know my brother's capabilities. Makito did not stand a chance. However, Naruto did a pretty good job tricking Makito into believing that he was killed. Have you seen the look on his face? It was pure entertainment."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkMY1N66ub
"So, you weren't worried about Naruto, then? If he got hurt, that is."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7psZHAuESR
I raise an eyebrow. "So you've come to conclude that I am not a good sister." I mutter. "I can't blame you, though."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4t9LaLytd
"You admit it then?" He asks, looking at me as if I have done something wrong. "Your brother is not that important to you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWOokV9BnM
This instantly makes me angry. "You think you can judge someone just by the way they act?" I state, glaring at him. "For your information, Frost. I care about my brother more than anything in this world."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2nbWmOMK5
He looks at me with a scrunched forehead. "If you think that, then why?" He asks, confusion clear in his eyes. "Why didn't you go and try to save him?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt5pIdObdK
"I already told you. I knew he could handle it. Besides, you needed me too, your highness." I state, making Frost widen his eyes. "I knew that if I left you, you might be taken. So, though a huge gamble, all I did was trust in my brother's capabilities and believe that he would be alright."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ssLDTXQR
"To rely on mere trust and belief." Frost utters. "The result was not determined and yet it was a success. I can't believe it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xHGwyFk3h
"Now, you should." I tell him. "You'll be surprised by the results."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybyQA5NOZt
**Frost Akuma:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgfDIpCs0i
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpITRR5KUL
Indeed, I am. I find it quite bizarre, actually. Everything Minashi does goes against my principle. I'm all facts and practical decisions while she relies on trust and belief without even calculating the possibilities. And yet here I am, starting to think that she might be right. She's really something.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1OaThB7jA
"I'm done!!" Naruto and his clones all say in unison, making Minashi turn to him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ygToc1MCC
"Good." Minashi says and then crouches to the ground. With her eyes closed, she then forms a series of hand signs before her pointing and middle finger glows with chakra. After that, she spins around with her glowing fingers pointing to the ground, resulting in the formation of a circle of chakra around her. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9DOkVyEiq
And then, with her glowing fingers, she draws runes inside the circle and writes a Japanese word that says 'prison' just outside the circle.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPUR0AzYTj
Once she's done, she slams her hand on the center of the circle, forming a yinyang symbol there and making the runes spread out and arrange themselves accordingly. Now, there are two smaller circles made up of the runes, just beside the first circle that Minashi had made.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmlP8mwoMG
"Carry him inside the big circle, Naruto." Minashi orders, opening her eyes and positioning herself inside one of the smaller circles.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPNeoPUeaa
Naruto immediately obeys, carrying Makito's unconscious body to the large circle. And when he's done, he positions himself inside the other smaller circle that's just opposite to Minashi's and does hand seals of his own. I wonder what they're doing.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhwFJaZyyG
"Transportation Seal.." Minashi says, locking both hands into a hand seal.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RYU0angP4
"Complete!" Naruto seem to continue what Minashi said.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwdfNCmdW7
"TRANSPORT!!" Both the twins yell and the large circle glows brightly, making me cover my eyes. And before I know it, Makito is gone and so is are runes and symbols. There are even no signs that the ground was used to create a gigantic seal.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuUwnDr7WK
"I wonder how much he was worth." Naruto says, grinning happily. "I hope he's enough to buy our groceries."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidF5vsLnZC
"Let's just continue the journey." Minashi says, ruffling Naruto's hair. "You think too much about money."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshh67zyOEd
"Whatever, Minashi." Naruto says, smiling at his sister.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z2s2yRsYx
~~~689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjxOOXdILQ
**Naruto Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpCRJTcAlb
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhyqSNHMDZ
It's been two days since we were attacked by Makito. No other enemies tried to attack us, so far. But I'm not glad about that. Minashi and I, we both know that the attacks won't cease. At least, that's how we have come to conclude Frost's trouble. And now, if the enemies are taking this much time before attacking again, then they must be planning something big and it worries me. Paranoid? Well, maybe I am. But I just can't afford to let my guard down even once.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOA7tUkaRu
Minashi and I have been discussing Frost's probable situation every now and then. We are not quite sure about it yet since Frost doesn't tell us anything but we know someone's after him, or more specifically, the amulet that he carries. It must be so powerful if someone wants it that badly. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZkMgzd2vr
As of now, we are still working on getting Frost to tell us. He's opened up to us a bit, to the point where he lets us call him by his name. But other than that, he's not revealing anything. 689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2akosBZ2w
Anyway, as of now, it's almost dusk but luckily, we have reached the docks. In great timing, the boat that leaves for the Land of Snow has just arrived and is calling out for more passengers.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZES24r3Qbk
I can't help but groan as we near the said boat. I'm not that good with water transport. It makes me nauseous when I first set foot on it. But after a while, I recover. But not without mint.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAcH9Ffcho
"Minashi, can you buy me some mint flavored gum?" I say, turning to my sister and making a puppy-dog face. I know she can't resist the cuteness. "Lots of it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91turhSjBC
She sighs. "Sure." She answers, smiling at me. "Stay with Frost. I'll get you your mints." She adds as she lefts.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH267hHGeV
"Your sister is quite something, eh?" Frost says, smiling as he looks at Minashi's retreating form.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrenrZRxotX
I can't help but narrow my eyes at him. "Hey.." I say in a serious tone, making him turn to me in surprise. "If you want her, you're gonna have to go through me."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62eROWyaYJ
His eyes widen as distances himself from me. "W-what?!.. no.." He stutters, his face turning red. "T-that's not what I m-meant! I was j--"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaoQDXQoEX
"Hahaha!" I can't help but laugh, amused at his reaction.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsjwSQ9u3C
"What's so funny?" He asks, looking even redder now.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqTeolZVy2
"I was just messing with you." I tell him, grinning. "Don't overwork yourself. It's so funny."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcDbpZijYI
He glares at me. "You're mean." He says.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aZ8PB8B7r
I just grin at him before turning serious once again. "My sister is amazing." I can't help but say, remembering all the brave and cool things that she had done for me. "She's always there for me, protecting me and supporting me through everything. Although we don't have parents, it doesn't really matter. Minashi is there and that's enough for me." I add with a smile.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0l16Uztkw
"I didn't know you had no parents." Frost says, looking at me in disbelief. "I.. I'm sorry." He adds, now sounding sympathetic.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbfZJQG51o
"Nah. Don't be." I say with a smile. "Our parents died, saving our village and us. It was a heroic act and we are proud of them."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHY5VtKiGK
"Don't you.." Frost says, looking hesitant yet he continues anyway. "..you know. Blame them for leaving you at such times?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXqWGiGQaV
"Sometimes I think that." I tell him honestly. "But Minashi makes me think otherwise. She says it would be best to treat such events as a motivation to make ourselves stronger." I then smile, thinking about my sister once again. "My sister, she sees things differently. No matter how bad things go, she always sees something good in it. It's what makes her special, I guess."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqCE3EUB9B
Frost sighs and then smiles. "You really care for her so much, huh?" He asks.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiltnQIvhB
"I do." I reply, smiling. "I don't know what I would do if something happens to her and I fail to protect her."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsE3CkxPKp
Suddenly, a smaller version of the Transportation seal appears right in front of me. My eyes immediately widen and I step inside the seal, wrenching Frost to my side.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqTB58V8uw
"W-what's going on?!" Frost asks, surprised that I suddenly grabbed him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrZiDZ6HoU
I immediately do hand signs. "It's Minashi." I reply. "She needs us." I finish doing the required hand signs and immediately slam my hand on the seal. "Close your eyes. This might be new to you." I instruct Frost just as our whole surroundings glows brightly and before I know it, we are already someplace else - in a forest of some sort.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFtq8qy2sV
I ignore the dizziness that clings unto me due to the transport and look for my sister. "Minashi!" I immediately shout and run over to my sister once I see her kneeling on the ground.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiWpIPf2pN
I can see that she is already finishing up on bandaging an injury. The wound is found on her left shoulder. There are also some bruises and scratches all over her but the only serious wound so far is the one she is bandaging.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5p1lFwW4T
"What the hell happened?!" I can't help but say in panic, kneeling down to her level and checking her for any other injuries. "Who did this?! I will kill him!!" I then stand up and look around for enemies, anger building up inside me. But I see no enemies.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCTApzwHvB
"The enemy is gone." Minashi says, standing up and turning to me. "He left when I finished the hand signs for Transportation seal. It would seem he doesn't want the fight to prolong."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLBAMsKjME
**Minashi Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWW0TutijX
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfrIhDQU7F
"You!!" Naruto yells, grabbing Frost by the collar of his shirt. "This is all your fault!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lr02lKeN1
"Me?!" Frost exclaims, knocking away Naruto's hand viciously. "I didn't even do anything!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZXG1JR49h
"Well that's exactly it!!" Naruto yells, glaring at the Prince hatefully. "You don't do anything! You can't even tell us who is after you or why!!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JszeOHpJg
This silences Frost but he glares at my brother just as hatefully.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G2vLipupf
"See?!" Naruto groans, pointing to Frost with rage. "You go all silent whenever I bring it up!! What is it that you're so afraid of?!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lk9WTrs0J
I decide it's time to step in between them. "Naruto, it's alright." I tell my brother. "Let it go."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSWdawjUVr
"Let it go?!" Naruto says in disbelief. "Minashi, you are hurt!" He then points to Frost in an accusing manner. "And it's all because he won't tell us anything about the enemies that we might encounter! We don't even know what the enemies would look like! Or the skills that they have!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsiCsLJ88P
I can tell that my brother is pissed. And I know there is nothing that will calm him down when he is pissed because I was hurt.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURZOx5TxQA
So, I let him be for a moment, letting him yell all the insults he can at Frost. I hope Frost can handle it though.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpWvnMETq6
After a few minutes, Naruto stops speaking and then leaps away. I know he's only going to get fresh air to calm himself. I then turn to Frost. "Forgive my brother's disrespect, Frost." I tell him. "I believe you understand why he is acting this way?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtxCWyPJqJ
Frost nods but he doesn't say anything nor does he make eye contact with me. He has his gaze fixed on the ground. However, I sense that he is feeling guilty about all this.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtfEN3iuDS
"I know you're only trying to protect us, Frost." I tell him. "You think that keeping us from the truth would protect us." I add. "But it doesn't apply anymore. We've gone this far and if you keep this up, you would only end up getting us killed."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYQiYtqrIm
"T-then go.." Frost says weakly. "Leave me and you won't have to die. Just go."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKzpBu4HPR
"We've already been through this, Frost." I state, feeling slightly angered that he is pushing us away again. "Our decision remains the same. Our lives, however, are in your hands. It is up to you."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWlOrywkRH
I then turn away but I don't leave. I just stand there and wait. "The boat might be leaving soon." I tell him. "We should board it now."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABbojtb7SY
"I'll tell you everything." He finally says, making me turn to him. He sighs and looks at me with eyes full of regret. "I'm s-sorry. I should have told you earlier. Now you're hu--"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuJfC1RPCA
"There is no need to apologize." I cut him off, smiling. "The wound will heal in time." I then stretch out my hand for him to take. "Let us go, Frost. We don't want the boat leaving without us."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLDjwYzwrj
He takes my hand and we leave the forest together.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXm9aUi8wv
~~~689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYYOGIVigs
The boat then departs soon after the three of us board it. We then find our assigned room and then settle there. Of course, we had to share a room, just to be safe. And besides, it helps lessen the expenses.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg66n18b4yp
"It's almost evening." I say, taking a scroll from my holders. "We should get some rest soon."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrtrlngH8J
"Yeah." Naruto says, chewing his minty bubble gum. "But I'm hungry."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwTzsGTR35
"That's because you're still chewing your minty gums" I tell him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PMCScSdmG
"I'll go and ask someone when they'll serve supper." Frost volunteers, leaving without even waiting for us to agree.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc3hFc7vKv
I sigh, letting Frost be. I already sensed the boat for any suspicious characters when we boarded it. And I found none. So, it should be safe to let Frost roam around without Naruto and I, supervising.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyButMDQKU
"So, is he gonna tell us anything yet?" Naruto asks, taking off his jacket.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk24c9FRDCz
"He said he would." I reply. "He's just afraid, that's all. You should understand him."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y8j2iSiij
"Yeah.. yeah.." Naruto says with a roll of his eyes as he walks into the shower. "I'll just take a shower. I'll do the understanding later." And with that, he closes the door.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMwOVftt8g
I am left all by myself now and I can't help but feel worried. The wound on my shoulder is not normal. I've been wounded many times before and yet none of my previous wounds feel like this.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOydLlBQEY
It's as if thousands of needles are piercing the said wound at the same time and it hurts like hell. Whoever had attacked me, he must have done something to me.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL0YYbGrXv
**Flashback:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HJ1tJ13mK
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqlrXFQm88
"Excuse me....do you have any gum for sale?", I ask an old vendor woman. "The ones with mint flavor?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErnRv9dSO4
"Oh! No dear." The old woman says with a kind smile. "Things like that are expensive. A vendor such as I am cannot afford it."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmxAXJLjxU
"I see." I tell her with a smile of my own. "Do you know where I can buy some?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVR7mCjIV0
"Try the big store at the end of the docks." She replies. "They should have some."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTtqNKgidK
"Thank you." I thank her and bow my head slightly, readying myself to leave.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUn1HiUEwy
"Your Welcome dearie."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU07MtH1tYG
And so, I continue walking, looking for the big store that the old woman had mentioned. 'The end of the docks is father than I thought.' I can't help but think as I look around. It's already like a forest here. There are lots of trees that cover most of the terrain.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylvYM5vfPz
After a few more seconds, I start to sense people going about their own businesses somewhere in front of me. I quicken my pace and in no time, I found the store.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kUuFidU0D
Despite the fact that the store is in a hidden part of the docks, there are many people here. Most are buying miscellaneous things from the said store. And some are doing other things. But I don't pay attention.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvxBEpkRfi
I immediately ask for some mints. Once they give me the said items, I hand them my payment and leave. I've already been gone for a while. The boat might be leaving soon.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSluvM0PP6X
But then I suddenly sense something fast and small coming at me, making me immediately step to the side, dodging the oncoming object - a senbon needle.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0YbpKBc99
I then face the person who had launched it at me, looking at him seriously. As I can see, he is wearing a dark long cloak that reaches up to below his knees. The remainder of his legs are covered with bandages and he is wearing a wooden sandal.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jhgImTcdA
His hair is long and is kept in a messy braid. Half of his face is covered by a dark mask, concealing his mouth and nose. His eyes are dark green in color and are disturbingly lifeless.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTriV5huqm
As for his chakra, it is not refined. Which tells me that he might not be a ninja. However, based upon how he threw the senbon needle and the katana he has strapped to his hip, he must be good at wielding his weapons.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87FpVc9Ssl
"Who are you?" I ask him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqmlZCWIEq
Instead of answering me, he throws a number of senbons at me in a very quick pace. I manage to deflect it all with the use of my adamantine chains.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP88hVM8W0G
However, the man is quick to unsheathe his katana and start attacking me. He aims to cut my stomach, to which I block with the blades that are attached to my chains.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz58DOV2HL
He immediately slashes at me once again, this time a whole lot fast. My chains can barely keep up with him. Fortunately, I'm still able to block it. We continue the fight for a few seconds more.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcGwxupH2W
"Tch!" He says, clearly angry that none of his attacks had reached me.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yfT1K57N4
Then, he does a stance, running both his middle finger and pointing finger to the blade of his katana. When he does that, red symbols and markings appear on the blade of his katana.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtTk9m1doY
After that, he charges, throwing senbon needles at me as he dashes. I immediately block his attacks. Once he's near me, he immediately swings a downward vertically slash at me. I, however, move to block it with my blades.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8eUBYTzzN
As his katana is still locked with my adamantine blades, he suddenly thrusts his blade further and to my surprise, his weapon cuts right through my chains. I immediately move away but his katana had already slashed my left shoulder.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMqP9MTB0j
I hiss, feeling the small wound hurt intensely. But I am able to kick the enemy away before he could do me any more damage.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T0L1B1hJ1
Then, with gritted teeth, I look at my wound. The veins surrounding it had suddenly turned dark. I then narrow my eyes at the enemy's katana. It's probably not an ordinary katana, judging from the way it just went through my chains and create a wound that hurt so badly.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI8CimG4Kc
In this case, I'm gonna need Naruto. So, without wasting time, I immediately weave hand signs and slam my hand on the ground, making a mini Transportation Seal appear there.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLkpN7Cznu
I then turn to the enemy but he's no longer there. Even when I tried sensing, he's nowhere near me. So, I unseal a bandage from my scrolls and start dressing the wound.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI2EluLmIH
**End of Flashback**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L39sU5BWS
I remove the bandages from my wound and remove my tunic, leaving me with only a tube brassiere. Then, I face a mirror and I can see that the darkened veins had already spread, dulling the color of the skin where the veins had spread to. I wonder what's going to happen?689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs3wvzJ5QI
The door suddenly opens and Frost enters. I turn to him. His eyes immediately widen as he turns away. "M-minashi!" He exclaims, turning red by the second. "I-i'm sorry. I didn't mean to barge in like that."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SexB4R9vz
I just smile. "It's alright." I tell him as I unseal a bandage and some medicine. "I'm just gonna change the bandage on my wound." I sit on the floor and ready myself.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0F24BpMvC
"Wait.." Frost says, making his way in front of me and kneeling down to my level. His eyes should concern and horror as he stares at the wound, even brushing his hand over it. "This wound.." He says. "It can't be."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRBAhyoC03
"WHAT THE HELL!!!" I hear Naruto bellow really loud once he comes out from the shower. "I'M ONLY GONE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND YOU'RE ALREADY MOLESTING MY SISTER?!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP79PKjoIP
"N-naruto!" Frost's eyes widen as he distances himself from me. "It's not what you think."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1EMPqdTQG
"NOT WHAT YOU THINK MY ASS!!" Naruto yells, flinging soap in Frost's direction. "Take that!!" He then grabs a snow globe on a shelf and throws it at Frost, to which Frost catches and puts it down gently.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w2r0kVoeb
"Naruto, listen to me!" Frost yells, gesturing Naruto to calm down but Naruto doesn't listen and continues yelling and throwing anything he can at Frost.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVza7r6ppp
After a whole minute, I grow tired of Naruto's ranting. "Naruto, could you please stop your ranting and listen to Frost?" I tell him.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxigJEuBt6y
"Minashi, he touched you!" Naruto exclaims. "And while you're only we--"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVNZC6WTZT
"I know what you saw!" I yell, cutting him off. "But you're over thinking things. Listen to the guy!"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdpnFkl6S8
Naruto glares at Frost. "Why were you touching my sister while she only has her bra on?" Naruto asks slowly, narrowing his eyes at the intimidated Frost.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWA8ACxPzC
"Her wound." Frost blurts out. "Look at her wound."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTTbKqhZfI
**Naruto Namikaze:**689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnhITH1p7P
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiztvUsLoxV
I turn to Minashi, looking at her wound. My eyes widen once I see it. The cut had turned black and veins that are surrounding it had darkened.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolJUY3lkM9
"Minashi.." I say, walking near her and looking at the wound closely. "Does it hurt?"689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuz3CHjn6N
"Yeah." Minashi replies. "Like hell it does."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFB9Eab8EA
"What's wrong with it?" I can't help but ask. "It's.. it's.."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcIkKy3WTD
"It's poison." Frost is the one to finish what I said. I immediately turn to him. "Minashi has been poisoned. And it's slowly consuming her body. In time, she won't be able to move."689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsBDc51N30
He ends what he had to say right there and I can't help but turn to Minashi, worried. What are we going to do?689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6vIZ6kdNn
---689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4TKJnfbcg
689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvWyEkT4Fv
End.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lMBnSU8Sj
Up next on The Lethal Duo, Chapter 4: Time is Less
ns 15.158.61.37da2
