"Mjolnir," said Naruto, summoning his Intelligent Device.
"Mjolnir," said Naruto, setting the device to the side. "I saw Nanoha do this once. Keep score."
Naruto picked a can out of the trash, took a few steps away, then tossed it into the air. As it went up into the air, he formed a thumbnail-sized spark of lightning at the tip of one finger. "Shoot!"
PANG! went the can, going up further. As it began to come back down after that, the little ball circled around and slammed into it again, driving the can back up.
Naruto concentrated on the exercise, his eyes closed and only focussed in on the task.
At one point he struck off-center and then had to adjust the next three shots to bring the can back to where it needed to be.
Hinata had arrived, seen Naruto, and then seen what Naruto was doing.
So she just sat quietly on one of the benches and watched in pleased wonder as her fiance (having heard of that from her father, as well as his advice that she could get out of it at any point) demonstrated more qualities that she found admirable.
Kakashi shook his head as he led the other two jonin, the visitor, the Hokage, and two chunin along to the meeting place that had been specified. "I don't know about this. I understand that the genin need to learn to work with each other, but there are also times they'll be in competition."
"And you want Naruto and your team to have a surprise for their peer group," said Kurenai.
"Why should I be the only one getting a little surprise like that?" asked Kakashi reasonably.
"I see your point," said the Hokage. "And the less people that know the details the better for now. He's listed in the open files as having several hijitsu and possibly a related kekkei genkai. Make sure your students know not to reveal too many details about this trip or Naruto's abilities."
"That goes against the grain," protested Kurenai. "I've always been above board with my students. Besides, the rumors are out that the Fire Daimyo's wife's cat was turned into a paralyzed koosh ball by one of Naruto's techniques - apparently endearing Naruto to half the shinobi who've had to track it down."
"I, well, actually I have less problem with keeping the secret of your genin's talents," said Gai. "If Neji Hyuga doesn't know what to expect, he's already been openly contemptuous of his cousin and her fiance. Both of them individually and of their relationship. If he learns that his beliefs on them are wrong, it might get him past a personal difficulty of his."
"I'd think being overwhelmed by squirrels would have done that," mused Kurenai.
"Don't underestimate those squirrels. Though I thought he was joking about the engagement, so did the rest of the team," mused Kakashi. "Hinata Hyuga and Naruto? That's just so wrong. Huh. What's that noise?"
The group got to the meeting spot and looked up where a bright little ball was flying around, knocking a can up into the air.
With a loud spang, the little ball knocked the can towards the trashbin. It hit the rim and fell to clatter on the ground.
"Aw, CRAP!" exclaimed Naruto.
"Close," said Lindy Harlaown into the silence. "You're almost as good as Nanoha."
"Eh?" asked Naruto as he became aware he had an audience.
"That was 'Homing Bullet' wasn't it?" asked Kakashi, having gotten way too darn familiar with the jutsu for his own comfort.
"Lower powered version for target practice," admitted Naruto. "Hinata?"
Gai cleared his throat as Naruto went over to the bench to talk to his fiancee. "Kakashi? Will you be entering your students in the chunin exam?"
"That's several months away yet, isn't it?" asked Kakashi.
"A month and a half," said Kurenai.
"Oh," said Kakashi. "I seem to lose track of time..."
"We've noticed," said Kurenai, Gai, the Hokage, and several ANBU - including one of whom had just stuck his head up out of a flowerpot.
"Hokage-sama," said Gai. "It might be a good trial for THAT rule during these exams."
"THAT rule?" asked the Hokage, considering something briefly. "Yes. It might be appropriate to give it a try."
"Which rule is that?" asked Kurenai, not too proud to ask.
"Extra points are given for pulling out impressive moves and abilities in the individual combat portion," said the Hokage. "There will also be a vote for Best Support, with extra points awarded to the genin who most demonstrates their abilities in supporting their team."
"Ah, I see," said Kurenai. "That way you discourage people from doing one-hit wins when the heads of state and potential employers are watching."
"Exactly," said the Hokage, pleased that someone immediately understood the reasoning behind the rule.
"Kakashi, I'll make a side-bet with you," said Gai. "That my team gets more points for being spectacular!"
Kakashi considered that he had a freaking WIZARD and an UCHIHA on his team. Well, Sakura might get a few points for Support or a sympathy vote or two. "All right."
"I might want in on this," said Kurenai.
"Eh?" asked Kakashi and Gai simultaneously.
"If MY team scores or gets ahead on points," said Kurenai with a speculative look at the two. "You, Gai, get a haircut. I'll even pay. I think I know just the style for you."
"Wh-wh-wha-WHAT?!" asked Maito Gai in disbelief.
"Whereas," said Kurenai, looking VERY mischievious, "you Kakashi would have to wear an outfit I pick out for a day. Dawn to dusk."
Kakashi felt VERY nervous at that look. "And if I were to win?"
Kurenai's mischievous smile didn't alter a bit. "Well, then I'll wear an outfit YOU pick out. Same conditions."
"Done," said Kakashi very quickly.
"So if I win, you get a haircut that I specify?" asked Gai.
"If you got her a bowl cut, half the unmarried ninja in the village would be trying to kill you in a slow and painful manner," pointed out Kakashi. "Not to mention what Anko might do."
"Uhm, how about wearing an outfit then?" said Gai, who had no fears about a direct personal attack, but not all ninja were fond of being straightforward.
The three exchanged a look and nodded. Each beginning to make plans to cheat in one fashion or another. They were ninja after all.
Read the comments on this episode
(Posted Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:25)
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Send a mail to addventure@bast-enterprises.de
or use the contact form.
らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
All other series and their characters are © by their respective creators or owners. No claims of ownership of these characters are implied by the authors of this Addventure, or should be inferred.
The Anime Addventure is a non-profit site.