Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. :-) But I sure love it! ^_^655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIQrvu8169
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**Iruka Umino:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKaIs04w9U
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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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfXuFuYJMa
"Team seven!" I announce. "Sasuke Uchiha! Sa--"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOELW7AWeeS
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoDrGauA1K
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJFGjmeTWY
"Well, I *did* say I'd come." He tells me with a smile. "And here I am now."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXe7BFhbxJ
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxpmYwZveS
He smiles."Relax, Iruka-sensei." He tells me. "Nobody's getting hurt."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLUSNaGWTz
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcRtl4hosg
"Good morning, everyone!" Naruto says, smiling at his classmates.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7NCdd1QFZ
"What are you doing here, Naruto?" Kiba asks, giving Naruto a skeptical look. "Only those who graduated are allowed in here."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo44N1pkizC
"And what does this look like to you, Kiba?" Naruto asks, pointing to his head protector that he currently has tied to his forehead.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdso9iZzWGq
"Are you serious, Iruka-sensei?" Ino asks, looking at me. "You let *him* graduate?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS743HyCPEj
"Yeah." Sakura adds. "No offense but he doesn't look like the type who'd graduate."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTgEfOJPwk
I sigh, knowing this would happen. I'm not surprised though.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLB4HupMhJ
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT4dQbOKFk
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?655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCRUcmEJP3
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelHE9LlHGQ
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCyB3gtjMk
"Well, it's true." Kiba speaks up, making me turn to him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvVk6TO4th
"Kiba.." I scold him, my tone hard and reprimanding. "You're being disrespectful."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhKKuGmtXb
Kiba turns to me, looking incredulous that I just defended my most mischievous student. I also feel looks of disbelief from my other students.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNr6SzB1CY
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXLLowKwj0
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt60uN2ddfU
"What's that supposed to mean, dumbass?" Kiba says, looking irked. Akamaru also growls lightly at Naruto.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPKUbzVNV0
"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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuDzdg0mIo
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!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEi30nrUWt
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpINPwgzJA9
"Whoaw." Kiba mutters, admiringly looking at Minashi from head to toe, not at all recognizing the person in front of him. "Who are you?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws8r0SmFEX
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIabRdtfaU
"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?!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDxJ3uqWee
"Duh." Minashi answers and the whole class erupts into shouts of disbelief. No doubt they don't believe what they see.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJmzzF5bNG
"You look so different!" Kiba says, looking at Minashi once again. "Wow!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vu79HTimT
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TtGArTx4l
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMdSxdoCOy
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQnDWesbBm
"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!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeLIln34MQ
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D1f41waYq
"Heh.." Kiba says, smirking. "Threaten me and Akamaru might just bite you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgpuimUzo0
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLAcwNjhYz
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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLjHvsm8Ok
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dggZGbS0a
"What the!" Kiba exclaims in disbelief. "Akamaru?!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTePUsvh8CV
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZy0MOtAgW
"O-okay.." Kiba says, seating himself on his desk. Though it's quite clear that he's still surprised.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXGXs1lUCY
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4z8PKhEL5
I can hear murmurs from the whole classroom. Most students don't believe the things I had said.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAIYjgrF61
"Most of you don't believe it, I see." Minashi says, looking like she could care less. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwqSsgTEDN
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg9YdN7NCe
"Judging me and my brother by the way we look, huh?" Minashi says, looking at Ino. "A stupid choice, really."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QAotgFfHo
"What?!" Ino shouts, looking infuriated. "How dare you, Minashi!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxTzRLtiyv
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd427B6qh1
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT4A3BkvcW
As I can observe, Ino had frozen in place, not at all expecting the attack. I can even notice her shaking in fear.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWotcoYuLP
"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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F9zAStaYC
"Y-yes." Ino stutters, sitting back into her desk.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhBU1bOiHQ
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBAmfJTHhW
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaxWGSsZoC
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX43dVfOqd
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhKtVuGJA6
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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJi5fw9tyq
"We are his children, Sakura-chan." Naruto is the one to answer. "Our father is the fourth hokage."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMjiXnIdsD
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAT????!!!!!" The whole class erupts into shouts of disbelief.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4p5LWFuPu
Minashi rolls her eyes. "What a way to express your surprise." She mutters. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rTnLG0j6e
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOZpTUeTWE
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRZOCjAILl
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvHd9EEjbq
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2ieXKN0sc
"Sasuke, you are in no position to challenge Naruto-san." I immediately tell him. "Go back to your seat."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOCeDCpy7z
"Mind your own business." He Uchiha utters rudely, not at all breaking his glare at Naruto. "I am going to defeat him!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrZI9BUxZw
I turn to Minashi so I could ask for help but I see she's not doing anything. She just stares at Sasuke calmly.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWl846vEnC
"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--"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBQeubzyfb
"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!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSIYlPLGRL
I am about to intervene again when I see Minashi gesture me to let him be. So, I decide to remain silent instead.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDaLJ67yhe
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzpPWTRyJz
"Big words." Sasuke says. "Well then, I choose to fight you and I *am* going to defeat you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EstA6AeR3
"That's not what I mean." Naruto groans, deadpanning.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw8D4OJJ0X
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq74rIzqrbO
Without wasting time, Sasuke launches himself at Naruto but then he stops himself, skidding a bit, when Minashi steps in between Naruto and him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1WUjvWmHS
"Get out of my way, Minashi!" Sasuke yells. "I want to fight Naruto!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCgf1OfMxc
"As fun as this may be, we are needed elsewhere." Minashi tells him. "Somewhere more important than this little challenge of yours.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcw4gWfTHR
"This will only take a minute." Sasuke insists. "I will defeat your brother before that." He adds in an overconfident tone.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGftwqbGdr
**Minashi Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaNw0nlpmT
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*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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jUT5cacra
"Such confidence." I say in a mocking tone, smirking. "However, I highly doubt that."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ax62dJxxH
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve0I2i7tEj
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1BX5PFMUf
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3uWpqP1Fb
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oSflJ3KTP
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. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wzLMWPzf2
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVVwui9ILo
"What the hell!" Sasuke yells as he struggles to set himself free but to no avail.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1qx6ApTPI
"Just stop, Sasuke." Naruto says. "That's enough! You will only get hurt."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuuIxRLOk7
"Coward!" Sasuke yells. "Using weapons to win! You call that fighting?!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWIG9FgOpx
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYxIhU1ohG
I turn around, smirking. "I told you so." I mutter, looking at Sasuke. "You should really listen, you know."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nf6NDF2nj
"Shut up, Minashi." Sasuke mutters narrowing his eyes at me.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntjxtY17x0
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz0hf2rPU7
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk0IPvLYeI
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSEWn6bwqU
"You know, sometimes you're evil." He tells me.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF6LN8R7OV
"He deserved it." I merely reply. "After being so arrogant and all."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxyppakC4v
"Well, I guess you're right."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwLBPeA9Zm
"Of course I am." I mutter.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq9wa1vqYN
He grins. "Now, what do you say?" He asks, readying himself to run. "Race you to the hokage tower?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvkW6DKvhN
"Sure" I smirk as I also ready myself. "Last one gets to treat the winner to ramen!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZfznX5o8n
"You betcha."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1TwYBrl3b
**Hiruzen Sarutobi:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8TEI4WjYG
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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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvIxrMBXcs
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHouNV7xnK
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YGdHQCxAy
"Hey! No fair!" Naruto retorts, glaring at Minashi. "I tripped on a banana peeling! I could've won!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8hUVgEB71
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RB5pzRvbH
"Fine." Naruto says, sighing. "Ramen's on me then."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0BujynvpI
After their little conversation, both Naruto and Minashi turn to me. Naruto winks. "Hey Gramps!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFeGuj8FOS
"Another race, I presume?" I ask them although I already know the answer to that question.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2LfxtQXdQ
"Yeah.." Naruto replies with a huge grin on his face. "It's quite fun. And it helps with improving our speed."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm84bU9DGJF
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.*"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBkvH3qY8P
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc98Iny820
"I see." I nod. "How'd it go, then?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1HlwpOvyx
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn1RfJLWTj
I chuckle. "Well, that's expected." I say. "After all, you played your role well."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlovPglMwCW
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr01jG0cfM
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwpY8Eh1if
Naruto rolls his eyes. "Hey.. I was the one who bought you time to get rid of Mizuki's comrades." He says.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFCuf63pfM
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncdNvg6NlI
I take out a scroll with all the listed B-ranked missions. "I've already assigned a mission for you, Children." I tell them.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1draJNN7KR
"You did?" Naruto says with a pout. "But it was my turn to choose." He whines in a childlike way.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfjsR6vl56
I sigh. "Well, I'm sorry but I find that you and Minashi are the ones fitting for this mission." I explain.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB55KDkRUG
"Oh alright." Naruto says in a begrudging manner. "I guess it's okay."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1FX4s4FIF
"Naruto.." Minashi says in a warning tone. "Mind your tone. You are talking to our Hokage."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqq9y31Gqh
"Yeah. I know." Naruto says, sighing. "So, what's the mission, Gramps?" He asks, this time with eagerness. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuW0hsuPZo
"It's a protect and escort type." I reply, looking over the right file.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSQF0AqJ3L
"Who're we escorting?!" Naruto exclaims, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "An enchantress?! A beautiful woman?! A princess?!" He grins from ear to ear.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S5PaG37Ya
I chuckle, amused by his actions. "Now.. now.." I say. "Don't get too excited, Child."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqqCaZSgt2
"Who?! Who?!" He exclaims yet again.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAPA5epDjN
"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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4HFgOo3ks
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5BOLzqmDz
With a shrug, Minashi turns to me. "Please continue, Hokage-sama."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuynb2caAnd
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YpUF9eaBh
"A prince?!" Naruto says, shoulders drooping and disappointment evident on his expression. "I was hoping it was a girl, believe it."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseR1opdb5V
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD7Hruxm3D
"I'm sure we'll get along just fine." Minashi mutters. "If he's not a jerk, that is."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q7ekfVmBQ
I sigh. "That's what I'm worried about." I tell them before shouting a command to send the prince inside.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZqCO5Bqju
**Minashi Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88e8at12m5
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIosmf0VNP
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D3g7nMfgn
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFXmGeKToG
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tkOl4IGhK
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. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WSwSA3Nm0
Settting my own thoughts aside, I bow my head at the same time as Naruto did.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Euwq8IsoM
"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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjogrez1NVX
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3V8EPTHlh
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIVwXit4ED
"There really is no need for you to have me escorted, Godfather." The Prince says, completely ignoring my brother. "I'll be fine, really."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDQDGfwpdv
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiHYoPGUbI
"No. I must insist, Frost." Gramps tells Frost. "What would King Mashisa do to me if he learns his son is not treated well."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln4M0c3BbI
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfJ7RsKN5w
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocy65cmXDY
"Very well, Godfather." Frost says begrudgingly, smiling that forced smile once again. "I will take the escorts."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oegUEEgfB
"Splendid!" Gramps says, smiling. Then he turns to Naruto and me. "Are you all packed?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzO9ev4VGw
"We are always ready for missions outside the village, Gramps!" Naruto exclaims.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0kQKyWEsf
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxHCAvrqtB
"Of course, Hokage-sama." I say and then turn to my brother. "Naruto, Buy the prince some new clothes. Bring him with you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtrBWDB3oK
"Is there something wrong with what I am wearing, commoner?" Frost asks, raising an eyebrow at me.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCgp8tn0ZP
"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*"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVwzhdD3rB
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VGK1S3Jgg
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8agU7C3d4g
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUOxTsJWoo
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGgrHJ6p1R
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAk2vM7H13
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVWZ4pDiob
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGlPrJMpNw
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnVNqLzhGU
Gramps sighs. "I know. I don't know what made him this way." He turns to me. "Will you accept the mission, then?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g8SL6LV2Y
I smile. "Of course we are." Then, I turn serious. "So, what's his deal? Got anything to tell me?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTocpq9Plv
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrZF3N70bp
"I see." I reply. "But, why is he here anyway? He's a little far away from home, don't you think?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv82rrm44rq
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYz3ZMJfCh
"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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNJScpPi82
"That is the mystery, Minashi." Gramps says. "It might be too much to send you on a mission without a full background. Bu--"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p6xA8fmrc
"We'll do it, Hokage-sama" I cut him off. "Whatever Frost is hiding, we will figure it out and help him through it."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxQC3agSvr
Gramps smiles. "I'll be counting on you, then. I owe Mashisa too many depts. It's time I repay him little by little."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfHsWdF06s
I nod. "Well then. I will take my leave, Hokage-sama." I tell him. "We'll start the mission immediately."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKnQ1rU65e
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dszFfI2H0
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ7fhRQ9uW
"Minashi, your observation skills are excellent." Gramps praises. "I will count on you to handle things on your journey."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj8OfiXbXp
"I will."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P2w8zAB4V
~~~655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoOnLabF9P
**Naruto Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB0tLwMUvf
"I'm bored." I can't help but voice myself out.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmIsWOiIVJ
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7S1E7Aha2
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. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJkRj5dpME
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRiqtal9v0
"Hey, Prince!" I call to him, making him turn to me in an annoyingly graceful manner. "How far is your home?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9cvarEGWh
"Complaining already, Commoner?" Frost says with an arrogant smirk. "You shouldn't have come if you're only gonna complain."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA8oFiDH6L
"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?!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLW1a6K39Z
He see him look at me hatefully before looking away and staying silent.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQf5ZK7WvD
"So what now?!" I yell. "You're not gonna say anything?!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpe2s0CAsO
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix3IulTqjb
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqILbyCBHaK
**Minashi Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP2cAEJ3K0
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rhpsU45fL
"He better be fast." Frost says in a rude tone. "He is wasting time."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucZ0VZ3LWr
"It would seem you are in a hurry." I say. "Why?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZuNVWJAr9
"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!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZab0fIjGLn
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanp1KihQpe
"Afraid?" He scoffs, looking amused. "You're being delusional. A prince is never afraid!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq11FJE4N5
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKKcRgMqPV
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRu3KSULGe
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5crWZnUCJg
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgJ9zpuO1S
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfw7xRTan8
"And what makes you think it's the right thing to do?" I ask him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEM01GvZqX
"Because that way you won't have to die!" He yells angrily. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7rhs2lWFV
'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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyNWLVpenu
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsbtOU6cP6
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrV1XH9jnV
He bares his teeth angrily. "You don't under--"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM4O8FoVkl
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrDTbdSVxe
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMqswnfals
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKGpz0sfJs
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.*655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mHFB7OWcH
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmV7H9PDJE
**Frost Akuma:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1Mdwdpb8d
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzldPCAyPvX
*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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hCXatvRbu
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUeOEgL7Vu
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi7FncdYnJ
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlBCkARbbk
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?*655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjjBl6CbK3
"What are you doing?" I can't help but ask. "He's your brother."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluQ5qgixTq
"He is *not* my brother." Minashi answers me, only making me even more confused.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6VoqBEt79
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskLXwDqRzW
"Heheh." Naruto says, smirking. "You're good, Girl." And then, he explodes into smoke.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeio2hp8uh4
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. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4g12dIqkZ
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVQ0faRmuu
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzWDee4VOB
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl6NZ4z6ws
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbM7zKsacD
"Well, you are well informed. For a girl." This said Makito says, smirk not faltering from his lips.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrVwHWfYxP
"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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI4OlgEouv
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXVGLtG1gy
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtWfKQollo
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9CiOmEm6q
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF9i2sTdTk
"I see." Minashi mutters, clenching her fists angrily. "May he be at peace then."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD16Z4F5oX
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRkMLlvx1Q
"This is all my fault." I utter. "I.. I am so sorry, Minashi."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5IpoEkjwY
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PmABkBk1d
"Just let him have me." I tell Minashi. "I don't want you to suffer the same fate as Naruto. Please."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESClTZZ69r
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAn5WXeJHy
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTABCpCpstS
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!655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2hdINVIIV
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDyh0aSav6
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3kZFpMaKG
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0E69PqbFU
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kucAzMZxo
"Minashi, we will fight him together." I tell Minashi, turning to her with a smile.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QRsnLkZWd
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0UidgH0ib
"Hahaha!" Makito laughs. "You think a sword is going to scare me? I've seen worse. Believe me."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34QBOY2YTN
"So confident.." Minashi says, chuckling amusedly. "You think you have won but you really haven't, Makito-dear."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayRsNSnib9
Just after Minashi says that, both of the tigers that Makito had summoned erupts into nothing but smoke.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJWpsE7RNx
"What the!" Makito exclaims, eyes wide as he whirls his head from side to side in panic.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxqUA0JpWe
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3JngoFaiW
Minashi chuckles. "Good to have you back, Brother."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvosMgsZsJ
"Y-you?!" Makito says, eyes wide. "But I killed you! I saw you die with my very own eyes!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74DERYvhgM
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm1WCmYYMZ
"Damnit!" Makito says angrily. "I can't believe I fell for that!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3QeM8xMuu
"You just did." Naruto says before he knocks Makito out. Then he turns to us. "Well, that was easy."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUz9arSsEc
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC7UJY9hhI
"Yeah. Yeah." Naruto replies.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUrplcLDBX
**Minashi Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YH2ATSC0r
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3WyZTSs3c
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkJLG6UlYx
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3wIFzCOUx
"It just reminds me of a memory that I long to forget." He mutters, and I've got to admit I'm surprised.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniY04vYD4I
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTVuaGnNQa
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLwmVJSyxB
"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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMDKzUft0p
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysSzWh1zIF
I roll my eyes. "Then why aren't you using your clones?" I ask him with a raised eyebrow.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17ZgC9Bb1D
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqXWFFsoss
I can't help but shake my head. *Sometimes, he just doesn't use his head.*655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacG9CzXcVr
"Minashi, how did you know about Makito?" Frost suddenly asks me, curiosity can be seen in his eyes.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpinROrJJuD
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7PrTS96RL
"And weren't you worried if Naruto would be attacked?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEM2WHpt9u
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju3ACffeO2
"So, you weren't worried about Naruto, then? If he got hurt, that is."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCpEszBePZ
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtChtLqs7qv
"You admit it then?" He asks, looking at me as if I have done something wrong. "Your brother is not that important to you."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZFPkCGOCe
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbqLYkTQEK
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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcH9n7xzoa
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmbeUnDode
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFquQqWH4uQ
"Now, you should." I tell him. "You'll be surprised by the results."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bq0FiilcY
**Frost Akuma:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkCxFzrFlJ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYpjtBtOem
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc0h4Hu4Zc
"I'm done!!" Naruto and his clones all say in unison, making Minashi turn to him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDfhBWMHvh
"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. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCupR31ldu
And then, with her glowing fingers, she draws runes inside the circle and writes a Japanese word that says 'prison' just outside the circle.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVLPlkQlOY
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYtRLCDVVy
"Carry him inside the big circle, Naruto." Minashi orders, opening her eyes and positioning herself inside one of the smaller circles.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H4i7iUfkm
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTSI5qtzNb
"Transportation Seal.." Minashi says, locking both hands into a hand seal.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv06bX9f4r
"Complete!" Naruto seem to continue what Minashi said.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguE6yqtAMz
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSDfMfZvUI
"I wonder how much he was worth." Naruto says, grinning happily. "I hope he's enough to buy our groceries."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfclifhB7l
"Let's just continue the journey." Minashi says, ruffling Naruto's hair. "You think too much about money."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhqyRJD8or
"Whatever, Minashi." Naruto says, smiling at his sister.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRkO0llTKi
~~~655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZVxB0x6AC
**Naruto Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfnlEaGIkZ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rWrx89hk7
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2R0bWF6lH
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. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OInUJb4Di
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. 655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfz4uQGvnO
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTOmd3t7VC
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs707owG4E
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tMTWe3Xp9
She sighs. "Sure." She answers, smiling at me. "Stay with Frost. I'll get you your mints." She adds as she lefts.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvR3bCsd7c
"Your sister is quite something, eh?" Frost says, smiling as he looks at Minashi's retreating form.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknoeHjWdyF
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5KRt3OOqx
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--"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CNGIJBjxr
"Hahaha!" I can't help but laugh, amused at his reaction.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEhwhpiOEt
"What's so funny?" He asks, looking even redder now.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8afes2YVj
"I was just messing with you." I tell him, grinning. "Don't overwork yourself. It's so funny."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ4utMR7Rp
He glares at me. "You're mean." He says.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sYDzRgFmg
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3k6e6OQtY
"I didn't know you had no parents." Frost says, looking at me in disbelief. "I.. I'm sorry." He adds, now sounding sympathetic.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HdWFm448K
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktdsjmBOqA
"Don't you.." Frost says, looking hesitant yet he continues anyway. "..you know. Blame them for leaving you at such times?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYklkVAcj5E
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jrJ6Ung7t
Frost sighs and then smiles. "You really care for her so much, huh?" He asks.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdus91J9aOt
"I do." I reply, smiling. "I don't know what I would do if something happens to her and I fail to protect her."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArEVK56GZo
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDzIWb5YwD
"W-what's going on?!" Frost asks, surprised that I suddenly grabbed him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0GxFS7qfP
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8OqyeWRpS
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClsttQq9gu
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tOlZwKjA0
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzc1bCWU6L
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwSghjk7QR
**Minashi Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNunghtuvj
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gsKqyEZbQ
"You!!" Naruto yells, grabbing Frost by the collar of his shirt. "This is all your fault!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5SZWbtBzC
"Me?!" Frost exclaims, knocking away Naruto's hand viciously. "I didn't even do anything!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sjy6rGNZT
"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!!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNEdLfFHnz
This silences Frost but he glares at my brother just as hatefully.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCFV512lK8
"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?!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwwSjae2WH
I decide it's time to step in between them. "Naruto, it's alright." I tell my brother. "Let it go."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQuCDG8lRz
"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!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpqoIHKNHG
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFQc036laB
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWzOXvaswO
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?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9OO4lPphl
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2erV77WXx
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bSD452Xz5
"T-then go.." Frost says weakly. "Leave me and you won't have to die. Just go."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2sNwb2ccN
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICJsXz0PxS
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbRNJqHFnP
"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--"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEimacnkb0
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzreNUw2Zy
He takes my hand and we leave the forest together.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRje9KT4rA8
~~~655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u7HxPjk31
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD44HD4fm9
"It's almost evening." I say, taking a scroll from my holders. "We should get some rest soon."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymnIQbQx8O
"Yeah." Naruto says, chewing his minty bubble gum. "But I'm hungry."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtc66gJ5gz
"That's because you're still chewing your minty gums" I tell him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLummL0EKaS
"I'll go and ask someone when they'll serve supper." Frost volunteers, leaving without even waiting for us to agree.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOOjiVx26R
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzZLYNAP7t
"So, is he gonna tell us anything yet?" Naruto asks, taking off his jacket.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg3DmwUtf0
"He said he would." I reply. "He's just afraid, that's all. You should understand him."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmZaSxgg2G
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqyVdXqc48
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b1NcM9eLJ
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC1N9U2Fhq
**Flashback:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9MpQSs3TW
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmKn2xVSRw
"Excuse me....do you have any gum for sale?", I ask an old vendor woman. "The ones with mint flavor?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt2o89aMvJ
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPSlN9J74V
"I see." I tell her with a smile of my own. "Do you know where I can buy some?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwoFzYKzxU
"Try the big store at the end of the docks." She replies. "They should have some."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiToEGceUtp
"Thank you." I thank her and bow my head slightly, readying myself to leave.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2wAG2Ch51
"Your Welcome dearie."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQptlFR7q4g
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2YJOx8TQ4
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtixx9EaNlH
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPHaZeIlWO
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnP2S2DkWN
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k1QVTOgO3
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXegmqdJxB
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPAPeaO60V
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5fn5dtRCO
"Who are you?" I ask him.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iUr3uRGQm
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV23bLNxB9h
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI4qOxOBLY
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwWoiCJyBY
"Tch!" He says, clearly angry that none of his attacks had reached me.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXE9olpptr
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk8WfGg1yt
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyfgRIKVa5
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs3u6duc0i
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL37VDU2AxE
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYCse75Ok1
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonXMgcJZy2
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z82SevG2e
**End of Flashback**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT6xDDHryS
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?655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptsf18OI9d
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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1lWVLz5jR
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9GmHZa536
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVvS9eNoHw
"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?!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoYslh4Qce
"N-naruto!" Frost's eyes widen as he distances himself from me. "It's not what you think."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsehSMWnKK
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON9Lhlovmb
"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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2ft557gnK
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VvsoRfBEu
"Minashi, he touched you!" Naruto exclaims. "And while you're only we--"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YQqOXyVye
"I know what you saw!" I yell, cutting him off. "But you're over thinking things. Listen to the guy!"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrk0P7AHdq
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCd5BN6Uz1
"Her wound." Frost blurts out. "Look at her wound."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmIOMOLIFX
**Naruto Namikaze:**655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ61fPBg67
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwwhVq86nz
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.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaesBvOWGK
"Minashi.." I say, walking near her and looking at the wound closely. "Does it hurt?"655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMYgNdIdTF
"Yeah." Minashi replies. "Like hell it does."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG09XeVLf1n
"What's wrong with it?" I can't help but ask. "It's.. it's.."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauRqLEi1tP
"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."655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUzegMUnqv
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?655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaA6PHBkpQ
---655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOoUqIUUDJ
655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihjzjaneZV
End.655Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp0aVEoGlZ
Up next on The Lethal Duo, Chapter 4: Time is Less
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