Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. :-) But I sure love it! ^_^653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZrkG5261l
---653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVllhQK88K2
**Iruka Umino:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2zLYjzYX1
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHewcSocGWL
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJimxfUyAH
"Team seven!" I announce. "Sasuke Uchiha! Sa--"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SYQRXSXeh
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1m5yyUhMo
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCNJKIBMZh
"Well, I *did* say I'd come." He tells me with a smile. "And here I am now."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WWI2q4C2A
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ2K68qgXc
He smiles."Relax, Iruka-sensei." He tells me. "Nobody's getting hurt."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdtNZ2gCjK
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTcfStbRIL
"Good morning, everyone!" Naruto says, smiling at his classmates.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdF3rL0yTd
"What are you doing here, Naruto?" Kiba asks, giving Naruto a skeptical look. "Only those who graduated are allowed in here."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNPtqEzEmO
"And what does this look like to you, Kiba?" Naruto asks, pointing to his head protector that he currently has tied to his forehead.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkuDkQYkCq
"Are you serious, Iruka-sensei?" Ino asks, looking at me. "You let *him* graduate?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3dkkwAXKv
"Yeah." Sakura adds. "No offense but he doesn't look like the type who'd graduate."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSaxngukLu
I sigh, knowing this would happen. I'm not surprised though.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjGcfx042b
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19VOrXqBiX
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?653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMNG6veTXj
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcya9r6gTDW
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimRjRDE2e2
"Well, it's true." Kiba speaks up, making me turn to him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCpNxI9a27
"Kiba.." I scold him, my tone hard and reprimanding. "You're being disrespectful."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyNQAPbKdF
Kiba turns to me, looking incredulous that I just defended my most mischievous student. I also feel looks of disbelief from my other students.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKOJtGLWo4
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oFGAzSdov
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfHbPjVKEn
"What's that supposed to mean, dumbass?" Kiba says, looking irked. Akamaru also growls lightly at Naruto.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDllNbOy8X2
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLkAZxLLGk
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!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV33TKrrGe4
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o8wtxtVB4
"Whoaw." Kiba mutters, admiringly looking at Minashi from head to toe, not at all recognizing the person in front of him. "Who are you?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHBkGf7nLv
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBoLM05wzX
"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?!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvesMkyJkBq
"Duh." Minashi answers and the whole class erupts into shouts of disbelief. No doubt they don't believe what they see.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH9q29Ic6P
"You look so different!" Kiba says, looking at Minashi once again. "Wow!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXrIkPXIZv
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkbWsTHlwE
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelR2VxynNE
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUhJLHd4Wc
"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!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQjr2cDOBI
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6nEvpL74c
"Heh.." Kiba says, smirking. "Threaten me and Akamaru might just bite you."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXUsB6HWIR
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgyQ03r3Hw
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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXGi4ppnqT
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLNQvOFas9
"What the!" Kiba exclaims in disbelief. "Akamaru?!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPyFv6yHCD
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SRO7nNCAu
"O-okay.." Kiba says, seating himself on his desk. Though it's quite clear that he's still surprised.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9dQoeNw0e
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJoco6n9hP
I can hear murmurs from the whole classroom. Most students don't believe the things I had said.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEAqiDD1cW
"Most of you don't believe it, I see." Minashi says, looking like she could care less. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUthHjgTLuH
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7fJcIXRvz
"Judging me and my brother by the way we look, huh?" Minashi says, looking at Ino. "A stupid choice, really."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDnpQRF4Pa
"What?!" Ino shouts, looking infuriated. "How dare you, Minashi!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUbhmKjVja
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmgUbYBBpy
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLu7uVpY8Y
As I can observe, Ino had frozen in place, not at all expecting the attack. I can even notice her shaking in fear.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNSJlDz05b
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27VeuMgklh
"Y-yes." Ino stutters, sitting back into her desk.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcqEt53c5O
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemOKoYBTyG
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7egt3pDhK
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbnQNHoT9S
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5ksX4H9CJ
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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMMlH37R3v
"We are his children, Sakura-chan." Naruto is the one to answer. "Our father is the fourth hokage."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiccUgzXHA
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAT????!!!!!" The whole class erupts into shouts of disbelief.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLcV73a2f0
Minashi rolls her eyes. "What a way to express your surprise." She mutters. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalT926wfoj
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMzGwi3Cs9
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nQQa9myGi
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oJlnVWKVa
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS8NjLsaAX
"Sasuke, you are in no position to challenge Naruto-san." I immediately tell him. "Go back to your seat."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqJ9m7qTLJ
"Mind your own business." He Uchiha utters rudely, not at all breaking his glare at Naruto. "I am going to defeat him!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0NbFQp2De
I turn to Minashi so I could ask for help but I see she's not doing anything. She just stares at Sasuke calmly.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXIifyqYZa
"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--"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPFDgNhn9E
"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!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K89yVlwwZ
I am about to intervene again when I see Minashi gesture me to let him be. So, I decide to remain silent instead.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34qmNaGGyk
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJE4FiRKlx
"Big words." Sasuke says. "Well then, I choose to fight you and I *am* going to defeat you."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijYQqR8vUH
"That's not what I mean." Naruto groans, deadpanning.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBQHzwT4FV
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtYYVRcs0j
Without wasting time, Sasuke launches himself at Naruto but then he stops himself, skidding a bit, when Minashi steps in between Naruto and him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGaK4sfqp5
"Get out of my way, Minashi!" Sasuke yells. "I want to fight Naruto!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCuWLY6CMI
"As fun as this may be, we are needed elsewhere." Minashi tells him. "Somewhere more important than this little challenge of yours.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zYuYIL978
"This will only take a minute." Sasuke insists. "I will defeat your brother before that." He adds in an overconfident tone.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi49DAI5SzZ
**Minashi Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH8OTJy8K1
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TF5x0TlCU
*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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSezcAWNABf
"Such confidence." I say in a mocking tone, smirking. "However, I highly doubt that."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxALg6POHu
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacSJ6k2cBV
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a0rBsrBIY
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceSzmDAhhb
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyHW4uvO7y
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. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsco8xn9tfs
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjN4GtTHht
"What the hell!" Sasuke yells as he struggles to set himself free but to no avail.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKho4dNnAG5
"Just stop, Sasuke." Naruto says. "That's enough! You will only get hurt."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxixNacd529
"Coward!" Sasuke yells. "Using weapons to win! You call that fighting?!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL9U0YxTzc
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaER4EbNsPc
I turn around, smirking. "I told you so." I mutter, looking at Sasuke. "You should really listen, you know."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhZiAFdAY4
"Shut up, Minashi." Sasuke mutters narrowing his eyes at me.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84rEcy4PP5
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i48f5OWI2
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylWR8sRphl
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzAHamvjU8
"You know, sometimes you're evil." He tells me.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qf1RMyXo3
"He deserved it." I merely reply. "After being so arrogant and all."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDqBEFXn4l
"Well, I guess you're right."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiCK2mpVdQ
"Of course I am." I mutter.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyzhVsvgHJ
He grins. "Now, what do you say?" He asks, readying himself to run. "Race you to the hokage tower?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw7aqzYs5S
"Sure" I smirk as I also ready myself. "Last one gets to treat the winner to ramen!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSsBtYeT0a
"You betcha."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJWvJAp1Hu
**Hiruzen Sarutobi:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8pKZLPhGO
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh5jCelD9F
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLF1QtNXcW
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsTcHsygDF
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xiFBD5dnh
"Hey! No fair!" Naruto retorts, glaring at Minashi. "I tripped on a banana peeling! I could've won!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfKetsWGw2
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz0uXMxGmE
"Fine." Naruto says, sighing. "Ramen's on me then."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3nQBLOi5q
After their little conversation, both Naruto and Minashi turn to me. Naruto winks. "Hey Gramps!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInEMD9QOMY
"Another race, I presume?" I ask them although I already know the answer to that question.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8MaKG6oSe
"Yeah.." Naruto replies with a huge grin on his face. "It's quite fun. And it helps with improving our speed."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSROfvDPpP
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.*"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagVFuYtsag
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnylNumRfz
"I see." I nod. "How'd it go, then?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH002p8VQIo
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hNdW3ZnYh
I chuckle. "Well, that's expected." I say. "After all, you played your role well."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay6NVvzLm9
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDxARj87Wu
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrTKmN9vvg
Naruto rolls his eyes. "Hey.. I was the one who bought you time to get rid of Mizuki's comrades." He says.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSuh1JXi5v
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmdn9ZELHM
I take out a scroll with all the listed B-ranked missions. "I've already assigned a mission for you, Children." I tell them.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHWn1pzfeD
"You did?" Naruto says with a pout. "But it was my turn to choose." He whines in a childlike way.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5zyQJlnb4
I sigh. "Well, I'm sorry but I find that you and Minashi are the ones fitting for this mission." I explain.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzIc1TMnBd
"Oh alright." Naruto says in a begrudging manner. "I guess it's okay."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHAbcRZp1A
"Naruto.." Minashi says in a warning tone. "Mind your tone. You are talking to our Hokage."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY2IUD3j6v
"Yeah. I know." Naruto says, sighing. "So, what's the mission, Gramps?" He asks, this time with eagerness. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6IBTv9UfU
"It's a protect and escort type." I reply, looking over the right file.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcqwCYKZPO
"Who're we escorting?!" Naruto exclaims, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "An enchantress?! A beautiful woman?! A princess?!" He grins from ear to ear.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99BZJVGb5M
I chuckle, amused by his actions. "Now.. now.." I say. "Don't get too excited, Child."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7JuwL9C1m
"Who?! Who?!" He exclaims yet again.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoWyyo3Evw
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZMGTXdMZo
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kcPm4OLuI
With a shrug, Minashi turns to me. "Please continue, Hokage-sama."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5C3vLMOEy
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmNq5isLXk
"A prince?!" Naruto says, shoulders drooping and disappointment evident on his expression. "I was hoping it was a girl, believe it."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTXn45ZQKn
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFEDaAn0F6
"I'm sure we'll get along just fine." Minashi mutters. "If he's not a jerk, that is."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaYLqjX9aU
I sigh. "That's what I'm worried about." I tell them before shouting a command to send the prince inside.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRAYG6s6Xt
**Minashi Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyftogF8Ld
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp2sBiDQIz
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim5DGTCERE
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXdqezguNz
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSTqxmFL70
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. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhIZ12IqpT
Settting my own thoughts aside, I bow my head at the same time as Naruto did.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbduP163siJ
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiQWGIwjmB
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DtlTpUSo4
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh8HOrXoYe
"There really is no need for you to have me escorted, Godfather." The Prince says, completely ignoring my brother. "I'll be fine, really."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGgGxEnrci
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqTLGIFH6k
"No. I must insist, Frost." Gramps tells Frost. "What would King Mashisa do to me if he learns his son is not treated well."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ74hijaKEP
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzbTHQHyyh
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hRQXDxbg0
"Very well, Godfather." Frost says begrudgingly, smiling that forced smile once again. "I will take the escorts."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPyyBhQyhM
"Splendid!" Gramps says, smiling. Then he turns to Naruto and me. "Are you all packed?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0mnVAhO2l
"We are always ready for missions outside the village, Gramps!" Naruto exclaims.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj3GAHF9cY
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiKu6nWY9G
"Of course, Hokage-sama." I say and then turn to my brother. "Naruto, Buy the prince some new clothes. Bring him with you."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cpetEelHT
"Is there something wrong with what I am wearing, commoner?" Frost asks, raising an eyebrow at me.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwqC6VelGT
"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*"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvysqweDkja
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdp3MWfMbd
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvmJjB4Rj0
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaKJzFmYtD
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHTcXJUfGs
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT3z7psxSD
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv4AVEyE7r
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnQd3mAg7S
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGtdgoqjbF
Gramps sighs. "I know. I don't know what made him this way." He turns to me. "Will you accept the mission, then?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMhWw0cnBO
I smile. "Of course we are." Then, I turn serious. "So, what's his deal? Got anything to tell me?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiYNegT3vv
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqZJf5PWpo
"I see." I reply. "But, why is he here anyway? He's a little far away from home, don't you think?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7nZdE1EPu
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAAFrY9SCH
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IiGoPOCeD
"That is the mystery, Minashi." Gramps says. "It might be too much to send you on a mission without a full background. Bu--"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrUif3fdov
"We'll do it, Hokage-sama" I cut him off. "Whatever Frost is hiding, we will figure it out and help him through it."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQeuLUnnnK
Gramps smiles. "I'll be counting on you, then. I owe Mashisa too many depts. It's time I repay him little by little."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OUX6Ng8oM
I nod. "Well then. I will take my leave, Hokage-sama." I tell him. "We'll start the mission immediately."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc7yb9pc6A
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C9NPhGRaV
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNggETb9Uih
"Minashi, your observation skills are excellent." Gramps praises. "I will count on you to handle things on your journey."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusJW4rY95C
"I will."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXdWYMjEra
~~~653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBMeJvZsyz
**Naruto Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdSWFEc4AK
"I'm bored." I can't help but voice myself out.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBNknRw6m1
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4gae3Krkt
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. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SCLr0vxed
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8Jcsi7Sev
"Hey, Prince!" I call to him, making him turn to me in an annoyingly graceful manner. "How far is your home?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89mPAYHewD
"Complaining already, Commoner?" Frost says with an arrogant smirk. "You shouldn't have come if you're only gonna complain."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zfMbuIJ64
"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?!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQcPphrzb6
He see him look at me hatefully before looking away and staying silent.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2XlbIy2HY
"So what now?!" I yell. "You're not gonna say anything?!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxQdKTAtDb
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE2BcrN7hO
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKR0hBw8rZ
**Minashi Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCClAW8Vyy
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeS7SgsxGW
"He better be fast." Frost says in a rude tone. "He is wasting time."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSqGv6SRNo
"It would seem you are in a hurry." I say. "Why?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11XbIcORed
"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!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm6A7LuQ0d
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyDNGPCtsJ
"Afraid?" He scoffs, looking amused. "You're being delusional. A prince is never afraid!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vEMpdljsE
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyq45aLE8R
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoM7CsTK6u
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrqkyV24G5
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLZdNdg3kZ
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfY8Pb5Wqf
"And what makes you think it's the right thing to do?" I ask him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2zZLXCzlC
"Because that way you won't have to die!" He yells angrily. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKtNN8z78s
'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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7MjGppCcE
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8luEVPixk
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukxJOb78JS
He bares his teeth angrily. "You don't under--"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E9dbzPtN1
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL8b5TEO5G
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8RelLBGzT
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fma7ygJsP
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.*653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqOGoxFefM
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwgBNOaJ62
**Frost Akuma:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbQQ7iaPny
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr7ElvKMAq
*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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEBj8xxkKZ
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBC72TZaiw
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHzmusvYvn
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJhaowggwh
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?*653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuiV5bOD1k
"What are you doing?" I can't help but ask. "He's your brother."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSi7cldxFk
"He is *not* my brother." Minashi answers me, only making me even more confused.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjglkYh4qz
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdElCIpvtf
"Heheh." Naruto says, smirking. "You're good, Girl." And then, he explodes into smoke.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiIiwwMjYC
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. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRaJJAs7z5
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2BFTHF9j0
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsk22IjBQB
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGYIOBczHy
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRQl5ISocc
"Well, you are well informed. For a girl." This said Makito says, smirk not faltering from his lips.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ocjrHbQqs
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGjDRYXfCx
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFgvFJJ8Bg
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy6BnCdGcY
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKLcE8jKsJ
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLr4hlMIxs
"I see." Minashi mutters, clenching her fists angrily. "May he be at peace then."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWtzhfK0q1
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW2W2kYHzQ
"This is all my fault." I utter. "I.. I am so sorry, Minashi."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxABmZpW5S
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bPD4wO3wJ
"Just let him have me." I tell Minashi. "I don't want you to suffer the same fate as Naruto. Please."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPY8ScxTgE
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtD3MwpXmn
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyZBBhwLxj
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!653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB8kjxQ0Ti
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh09DXF6N6
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUCmNhWRJ9
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47cQ2DPyFh
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0WigyesqO
"Minashi, we will fight him together." I tell Minashi, turning to her with a smile.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTVHa3fuNe
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSzC2w3wKl
"Hahaha!" Makito laughs. "You think a sword is going to scare me? I've seen worse. Believe me."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sTUcJOUax
"So confident.." Minashi says, chuckling amusedly. "You think you have won but you really haven't, Makito-dear."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9BIjQ9fLe
Just after Minashi says that, both of the tigers that Makito had summoned erupts into nothing but smoke.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm8u1MUUWS
"What the!" Makito exclaims, eyes wide as he whirls his head from side to side in panic.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhElLBb5Za
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhsn7rcpsK
Minashi chuckles. "Good to have you back, Brother."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMzQq5ntkr
"Y-you?!" Makito says, eyes wide. "But I killed you! I saw you die with my very own eyes!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEL6KEGrIG
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlm3l3PfEJ
"Damnit!" Makito says angrily. "I can't believe I fell for that!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0uuqr4Ixr
"You just did." Naruto says before he knocks Makito out. Then he turns to us. "Well, that was easy."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyK0RDtRiw
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLAou8zvNl
"Yeah. Yeah." Naruto replies.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnIaV5jXRy
**Minashi Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt8Eozcz3q
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuLDUF1Ifa
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB1D2VInAp
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY6b3APldX
"It just reminds me of a memory that I long to forget." He mutters, and I've got to admit I'm surprised.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3OGrIQL3u
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfhQtxs2NF
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6XDtTuTt2
"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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GPakaQLOX
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cyMxJwM4j
I roll my eyes. "Then why aren't you using your clones?" I ask him with a raised eyebrow.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx0iX7NGk3
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XnLELN9yW
I can't help but shake my head. *Sometimes, he just doesn't use his head.*653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HBZb0qOfT
"Minashi, how did you know about Makito?" Frost suddenly asks me, curiosity can be seen in his eyes.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymYGPwVvT7
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYEUWeKK6G
"And weren't you worried if Naruto would be attacked?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd9y37WIm5
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8E8Tyli51
"So, you weren't worried about Naruto, then? If he got hurt, that is."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb2AYQsXSP
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH5w1M1Xnd
"You admit it then?" He asks, looking at me as if I have done something wrong. "Your brother is not that important to you."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlFKbFksrF
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvuxa2QO9f
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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgqy5Elc7N
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHG4rNC514
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VOqGqhOX3
"Now, you should." I tell him. "You'll be surprised by the results."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIZBZn0ibb
**Frost Akuma:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuWtBBCVcX
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoYQ7ywvmP
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f34CoyQlp
"I'm done!!" Naruto and his clones all say in unison, making Minashi turn to him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPzFU9BC02
"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. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4noYqCozUw
And then, with her glowing fingers, she draws runes inside the circle and writes a Japanese word that says 'prison' just outside the circle.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74lrKx03IQ
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSbAnmg1ue
"Carry him inside the big circle, Naruto." Minashi orders, opening her eyes and positioning herself inside one of the smaller circles.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHlRwef7sh
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruv0IjrmaS
"Transportation Seal.." Minashi says, locking both hands into a hand seal.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCWpxTW04w
"Complete!" Naruto seem to continue what Minashi said.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWl1wAhuvF
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tVhHrlO6J
"I wonder how much he was worth." Naruto says, grinning happily. "I hope he's enough to buy our groceries."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yJvf4GXpo
"Let's just continue the journey." Minashi says, ruffling Naruto's hair. "You think too much about money."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbXB99bF5p
"Whatever, Minashi." Naruto says, smiling at his sister.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV0tYjWACl
~~~653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUOQ6KMQSg
**Naruto Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f1Ms1yNnP
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLxl53lIC5
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNpZH4ObQl
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. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanagQ6cwA1
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. 653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94NCriz2Bp
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6r2Wwk3AK
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTV04o8cEh
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebyBdXNooN
She sighs. "Sure." She answers, smiling at me. "Stay with Frost. I'll get you your mints." She adds as she lefts.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwV2d9m80f
"Your sister is quite something, eh?" Frost says, smiling as he looks at Minashi's retreating form.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGanCTgJUJ
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fCFunM80q
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--"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlChQ7Te1mv
"Hahaha!" I can't help but laugh, amused at his reaction.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrsnnHo8lu
"What's so funny?" He asks, looking even redder now.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcodC6vjN4B
"I was just messing with you." I tell him, grinning. "Don't overwork yourself. It's so funny."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbjtleePmw
He glares at me. "You're mean." He says.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTULCWIxdRq
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVvdP5cJmu
"I didn't know you had no parents." Frost says, looking at me in disbelief. "I.. I'm sorry." He adds, now sounding sympathetic.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ft5gl9T4g
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJEtc8k4JM
"Don't you.." Frost says, looking hesitant yet he continues anyway. "..you know. Blame them for leaving you at such times?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi0jJBDMGL
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonphmFaGFA
Frost sighs and then smiles. "You really care for her so much, huh?" He asks.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sCavL6ADX
"I do." I reply, smiling. "I don't know what I would do if something happens to her and I fail to protect her."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p9nl85k5a
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBYLrUQV0W
"W-what's going on?!" Frost asks, surprised that I suddenly grabbed him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze3Nm2IqWc
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQUtCSaHag
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6gAIudeGH
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq39MNOuc7
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6Ut4Kwz0f
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxOYFgUltl
**Minashi Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7nQ4XkIUU
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN7h9SMdvb
"You!!" Naruto yells, grabbing Frost by the collar of his shirt. "This is all your fault!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyxoS208FY
"Me?!" Frost exclaims, knocking away Naruto's hand viciously. "I didn't even do anything!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6Qrysd7Yj
"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!!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQUGsrzbue
This silences Frost but he glares at my brother just as hatefully.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWIe9Ur8eA
"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?!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCP746RGog
I decide it's time to step in between them. "Naruto, it's alright." I tell my brother. "Let it go."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBlR6Is8Fs
"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!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbePXFVLka5
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRJ3wN046K
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPv1Eq3hiX
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?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblpYqiDWF0
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO2pUEU8yP
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNcQzOCUX7
"T-then go.." Frost says weakly. "Leave me and you won't have to die. Just go."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxwLwM42GL
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVS6OZIjm4
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPPtLSc4vP
"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--"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hiaGdsJaQ
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAhkD9gLqf
He takes my hand and we leave the forest together.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF9x5jjLO9
~~~653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvbeKonV9W
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeqbj1boPr
"It's almost evening." I say, taking a scroll from my holders. "We should get some rest soon."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyExiEcCHo
"Yeah." Naruto says, chewing his minty bubble gum. "But I'm hungry."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1qrBVMHBH
"That's because you're still chewing your minty gums" I tell him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHiasArQJ0
"I'll go and ask someone when they'll serve supper." Frost volunteers, leaving without even waiting for us to agree.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjoT5kfUeG
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuFH0Olm0C
"So, is he gonna tell us anything yet?" Naruto asks, taking off his jacket.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIRjo090pl
"He said he would." I reply. "He's just afraid, that's all. You should understand him."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfGEDXms2f
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1eLHjaaXh
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJyIm6X41R
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk4BjiedQ0
**Flashback:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi4rFMW0cD
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCG8mXrzmj
"Excuse me....do you have any gum for sale?", I ask an old vendor woman. "The ones with mint flavor?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7kdvMAQRX
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWvKXnQZj2
"I see." I tell her with a smile of my own. "Do you know where I can buy some?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCNJJOFtwN
"Try the big store at the end of the docks." She replies. "They should have some."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge8FYXJtzQ
"Thank you." I thank her and bow my head slightly, readying myself to leave.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2fMRi67g7
"Your Welcome dearie."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5t65S1OUL
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUPfeDLPzb
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKK84rO6ef
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jx5v1F755
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlhgwSsWXy
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2zQ4a92CB
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBvYSahwEu
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67NcWiuxaE
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaulqr8iWiz
"Who are you?" I ask him.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFrfGErneV
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMVhoRI3UJ
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw3bG8swey
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQmPCj9p7V
"Tch!" He says, clearly angry that none of his attacks had reached me.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO5q9PNlTt
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XqemtI2p5
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEH0lBpL8V
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAJIb9brHe
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X5YviYPhy
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOiiJTUE5Q
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUSOZDykkH
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxi8DViRMT
**End of Flashback**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA0qdsFNhy
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?653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmraff9CHpN
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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BBd5B8Qan
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGexGSq9NN
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhkEIEkH9u
"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?!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuJI8TTbL0
"N-naruto!" Frost's eyes widen as he distances himself from me. "It's not what you think."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlVDhhlMQ8
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOnoVzDzJW
"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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsSR9v8YEq
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswsuHpHrLG
"Minashi, he touched you!" Naruto exclaims. "And while you're only we--"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnv2rehuDg
"I know what you saw!" I yell, cutting him off. "But you're over thinking things. Listen to the guy!"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaOl2mD677
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirWlibi2Lj
"Her wound." Frost blurts out. "Look at her wound."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZOJbyMltB
**Naruto Namikaze:**653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB3s6ofg35
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSfi9RGYR1
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.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r55YlYP6T
"Minashi.." I say, walking near her and looking at the wound closely. "Does it hurt?"653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS6CU5giHM
"Yeah." Minashi replies. "Like hell it does."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnjnQelYkw
"What's wrong with it?" I can't help but ask. "It's.. it's.."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkDYEWCmoV
"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."653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry7S5uy3nn
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?653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P4ZGyDi2A
---653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKvfeJfRtw
653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrduN9Iub6K
End.653Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpys0OO8N3
Up next on The Lethal Duo, Chapter 4: Time is Less
ns 15.158.61.20da2
