However, this was Konoha. Kiri would do such a thing. Iwa or Kumo - likely but not a foregone conclusion.
"You understand WHY this was all kept secret?" asked Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Naruto is not skilled enough yet to survive potential assassins from various clans, at least not long enough by himself," pointed out Mebuki Haruno.
"It took three villages combined to bring down Uzushio," said Kizashi. "However, there was only one that went after Lady Kushina afterwards despite her being a main branch Uzumaki."
"Kumo, and they tried to capture rather than kill," said Hiruzen, settling back into his chair. He glanced from one to the other of the Haruno. "So, then. What now?"
"As Naruto is now a genin," proposed Mebuki, "simply not make his heritage a secret. Doesn't mean declaring it publicly though. Just a few people in the know to begin with. If he makes chunin, then a more public acknowledgement might be worth considering."
"Though there is ONE other person who should know about this, because that clan would excel at keeping an eye on things," said Kizashi.
"Oh?" asked Mebuki. "Hiashi? Well, if he knows he can just put out a general 'keep an eye out' order. Our clans have gotten fairly close I suppose. What about the engagement to Chie?"
"It's not like any member of the Hyuga clan has an interest in the boy," said Kizashi. "And if they did, a little competition can be a good thing."
"'Engagement'?" asked the Hokage.
Sakura paused, frowning. "There's someone nearby."
"Eh?" asked Tazuna nervously.
"Very good, Sakura. Now duck," said Kakashi, forcing Tazuna to the ground.
Naruto and Sasuke dove to the ground. Sakura dropped to a low crouch. A sword went past them.
"Ha! Three little ninja baby birds and a big birdie," said Zabuza.
"Zabuza Momochi," said Sakura, drawing her twin swords. "So-called 'Demon Of The Hidden Mist' known as one of the 'Seven Swordsman Of The Mist' and wielding the sword Kubikiribocho. A fabled swordsman who left the Hidden Mist after a failed coup. I have a request."
"Eh?" asked Zabuza. "I don't do favors. Wait. That design on your clothes. A Haruno?"
"Sakura Haruno, samurai-ko and warrior of Konohagakure," said Sakura, bowing but maintaining eye contact. "I challenge you to honorable combat."
Zabuza seemed to consider that for a moment. "No."
"Sakura. You're twelve and technically a genin. Challenging Missing-Nin to a duel is NOT part of your duties." Kakashi didn't look away from Zabuza.
"Why?" asked Sakura.
"Because," said Zabuza, "first - you're twelve like the jonin says. You're not even a decent warmup. Give you another four years and I might accept a personal challenge from you. Emphasis on 'might' there. Second - my job is to stop Tazuna there. As a group you're an obstacle to that, but your deaths one way or another isn't a requirement. Third - you're challenging me to 'honorable' combat. I'm a ninja - I'll use every dirty trick I can come up with in order to win a fight."
Sakura considered that and nodded, accepting the reasoning but clearly disappointed.
Zabuza glanced over the three genin, deciding to keep his knowledge about the Child Of Prophecy secret. He knew, but the Konoha group obviously didn't know that he knew. He made a hand seal, raising and thickening the fog.
"Mokuton: Wooden Fortress!"
The fog froze and fell to the ground.
"You REALLY need to practice this stuff," said Sasuke, brushing frost off of his arms.
"Damnit," said Naruto, breaking the ice holding one foot down.
"Ice Release?" asked Zabuza. "And you're declaring a Wood Release technique - to confuse me?"
"Did it work?" asked Naruto.
"No," repeated Zabuza.
Hiashi Hyuga frowned ever so slightly. "I see. Due to the continued goodwill between the two samurai clans of Konohagakure, I shall certainly consider advising certain members of my clan to keep an eye on the boy. What sort of 'cover story' should be used to explain it without a formal declaration of clan status?"
"I would suggest letting it be known that Naruto Uzumaki is formally accepted as a friend of the Haruno clan," said Kizashi Haruno. "Also that we've discovered that there may be high level assassins going after the child for unknown reasons."
"Intercepted communique?" suggested Hiashi.
"Sounds appropriate, that IS a way that the ninja leak information that they want someone to have without actually just coming out and saying so," noted Kizashi.
"Ninja," said Hiashi, managing to put a fair amount of frustration in that single word.
"Indeed," agreed Kizashi.
A wooden target shattered as a fist went through it.
"So, he's not just an Uzumaki in name," said Chie after she'd drawn back into a ready stance and then slowly relaxed out of it.
"Yes," said Mebuki. "You can, of course, refuse this assignment. Especially if you have anyone special in your life already."
"No, nobody in THAT way," admitted Chie. She thought about it briefly before:
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(Posted Sat, 18 Oct 2014 18:36)
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