Air Gear: Moment of Inertia

Inertia is a powerful force for the status quo.

Inertia is the tendency of a body to oppose any attempt to put it in motion, the property of a thing to remain at rest until it meets with some force. In other words, inertia is an object’s tendency to resist change. Inertia is indisposition to motion or exertion.

Inertia is a bigger problem than extremism.

Inertia is at work.

Inertia is gravity.

He has to blink furiously to expel the thick raindrops coating his eyelids and lashes before he can identify the figure leaning against the wall beside his door, arms crossed, head angled slightly back. The polished black loafers, neatly-ironed pants and black coat should be a familiar sight to him by now, yet the reality of Sano’s presence still doesn’t register until his gaze meets the narrow eyes behind the thick-rimmed, angular spectacles.

His mind triggers an instant replay of the memories of the conditions under which they last met. Adachi’s angry cry, the cut on the side of Sano’s face, the immobilizing fear squeezing all the air out of his chest… His fingers tremble ever so slightly as one hand clutches the plastic bag of groceries, the other reaching to fish the house key out of his jacket pocket automatically.

“What are you doing here?” Kazu asks softly.

His voice doesn’t waver. He doesn’t sound like a girl. Bonus points for him.

“Waiting for you.” Like that wasn’t obvious. Bastard.

The boy shrugs as he moves to unlock the door. A month ago, he’d have thought twice about letting homo-bastards into his house, but now, resistance seems futile. Besides, he’s already soaking wet; he doesn’t care to carry out a conversation in the rain. And maybe he feels a little bad about Sano having to wait for him in such weather. —Not that he’d ever admit it, of course.

The tall college student follows him inside wordlessly, neatly placing his shoes by the door and then moving about Kazu’s apartment like he owns the damn place. He finds the coat rack before needing to be shown where it is, shedding his wet outer garments in one fluid motion before heading off toward the kitchen area. In the time it takes Kazu to struggle out of his own soaked-through coat and hat, Sano’s filled a tea kettle with water, placed it on the stove, and seated himself on the small sofa. Kazu just follows it all with empty eyes, eventually pulling up a chair opposite the couch.

“So,” he mumbles, “who’s our next target?”

Sano shakes his head. “That’s not why I’m here.”

“Oh.” Kazu blinks, swallows. “Then…?”

Sano eyes him intently, making a careful study if his face as he explains, “I came to pick you up after school today, but Adachi told me you weren’t there. She said you hadn’t shown up at all yesterday, either.”

Kazu doesn’t flinch at the accusatory undertone in Sano’s voice. “She’s right. I didn’t come. I. I didn’t want to…”

“…face them after what happened?” Sano guesses, both smug satisfaction and a hint of anger evident in his expression. “For better or for worse, you’re their leader right now. You abandoned your team.”

Kazu lets out a bitter chuckle. “Leader? None of them will accept me as leader now. I couldn’t even… couldn’t…”

His voice trails off as he chokes on the words, as though he’s still partly in denial about his failure. In his mind, all he sees is himself, tiny, powerless in the face of the monstrous strength of Gabishi. Adachi’s screams—whether real or imagined, he can’t even remember now—still ring in his ears.

“Protect them?” Sano is leaning forward in his seat, and Kazu almost jumps when he snaps back to reality and sees the other’s face so close to his own.

“But that wasn’t your job,” the college student continues. “It wasn’t your battle to fight, not an enemy you were meant to face. Gabishi’s skills matched, perhaps surpassed, even my own. You saw it yourself.” Sano brushes the hair away from the side of his face to reveal a thin scar that was left from the time when Gabishi had tried to cut away his skin. “No one was expecting you to protect yourself and the entire team from a foe such as this one.”

Sano lightly rests the tips of his fingers on the back of Kazu’s hand, and Kazu lets him. “You’re still just a boy. Nobody’s asking you to risk your life for Air Treck.”

“B-but Ikki… Ikki would’ve…” Despite the sense of despair his words emit, Kazu’s eyes are still empty, his expression blank, something highly unusual for a boy on whose face the flames of anger or passion normally would so easily ignite.

“Ikki, Ikki, Ikki. Why is it always Ikki-kun with you?” Sano ruffles Kazu’s hair a bit as he rises and walks to the kitchen to get the tea ready.

When Sano returns, he not only brings two steaming mugs of hot green tea but also a towel draped over his arm. Kazu no longer bothers questioning how he knew where to find one, though he can’t help but wonder what exactly Sano intends to do with it.

“It’s still very hot. Don’t drink it yet, or you’ll burn your tongue,” Sano cautions as he presses one mug into Kazu’s hands.

He then sets his own down on the coffee table and stands back up again, now grasping the towel. Positioning himself behind Kazu, the boy can’t help but give a little gasp of surprise when, without warning, Sano begins to dry his hair.

“What are you doing?” Kazu yelps, even though the answer is fairly obvious by now.

Sano simply states, “You’ve been dripping all over your shirt.”

Kazu tentatively touches the area around his neck and shoulders with one hand, and sure enough, the fabric there is plastered to his skin. While in mid-motion, Sano’s hand accidentally brushes against his own, the older boy’s fingers warm and steady. Kazu gasps again and pulls his hand away, sitting very still while he endures the odd sensation of having someone else towel off his hair. It makes him feel even smaller, like a little kid whose mom is drying him off after a bath because he’s too young to do it properly himself.

“Did you mean it?” he asks quietly.

Sano looks up but doesn’t stop his motions. “Mean what?”

Kazu gulps and closes his eyes. “What you said to Gabishi. That I’m a weakling.”

This time, Sano does stop toweling, combing Kazu’s hair with his fingers as he speaks. “I could tell you that I said that mainly in the hope that Gabishi would consider you too inconsequential to be worth the effort, and that he’d leave you alone, which is the truth, but is that what you really want to hear? Would you rather that I lie and tell you that I believe you’re the rider with the most talent and promise I have ever met during all my years of A-T?”

Kazu frowns. He didn’t have to put it THAT way. But he shakes his head in the end because he knows that lies eventually hurt you worse than the truth. Anyway, he knows better than to delude himself with the thought that the Iron Clock would bother to pay him a late-night visit just for the purpose of inflating his wounded ego.

When he opens his eyes again, Sano is kneeling in front of him. “Here’s what I do believe. I don’t think you’re weak. I think you have great potential. I think what you’re suffering from is this belief that you always need to walk in Ikki’s shadow. Ikki’s Wing Road is not for you. What you don’t seem to realize is that you have the strength to ride your own road.”

Sano seems to be waiting for a response, but Kazu doesn’t know what to say. He takes a few tentative sips of his tea to buy himself time while he processes the other’s words in his mind. He’d like to believe them, but he’s not even sure what it all means. Having always been so busy just to try to keep up with the rest of the team, he’s never understood all this talk about “roads” and the ramifications of what it truly means to ride one. He just follows behind Ikki because, well, because it’s the easy thing to do.

When he looks back up, Sano is standing up, draping the wet towel over the back of a chair to let it dry as he sends a forceful gaze in Kazu’s direction. Kazu knows he must be trying to judge his reaction, but what is there for him to say? He takes another sip of tea.

Sano is the one to finally break the silence. “It’s easy to give in to inertia and to stop functioning when we meet with hardships we did not expect. I know. I think we’ve all been there at one time or another. But even I cannot truly stop time. In the end, my powers are all an illusion, a mind-trick. Time stops for no man. The only thing you can do is keep moving.”

“But why?” Kazu finally sighs, his eyes exuding hopelessness, an ironic half-smile on his lips. “What reason do I have to keep moving when I’m too weak and powerless to do anything for anybody else?”

“We all forget our reasons at times,” Sano explains as he walks over. “But you need to keep moving anyway, because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to start moving again.”

Taking the boy’s half-empty mug and setting it on the table, Sano places his hands on Kazu’s narrow shoulders. “Just keep moving, and then you will remember your reasons—your impetus.”

And then Sano’s lips are on his, and Kazu’s so surprised, he doesn’t even remember to close his eyes right away. His defensive instincts shut down long ago, his normal instinct to punch Sano in the gut if that bastard tries anything all but a memory. It’s just that Sano’s lips are warm, and he wants to say yes and no at the same time, but all his thoughts are garbled because nothing makes any sense right now. Warm lips. Hot breath. Stop. Don’t stop. Stop!

Surprisingly, it’s Sano who pulls away first. Kazu looks up at him, confused and vaguely disoriented. It isn’t like the homo-bastard to stop after just one kiss. Yet the other is already at the door, pulling on his coat and bending over to tie his shoes.

When Sano straightens himself and meets Kazu’s puzzled stare, he briefly flashes a sad half-smile, then reverts back to his usual smug and slightly mischievous expression. “It’s no fun if you don’t try to resist me even a little. I’ll return when you’ve got your fighting spirit back.”

He walks over to Kazu one more time to lightly stroke the boy’s blonde locks. “Go to school tomorrow.”

And then he’s walking through the door, and Kazu finds himself watching the tall college student leave, leaning against the open door long after the retreating figure has been swallowed up by the gray, gray world outside. There are no children at play today. Adults hurry toward their destinations, their faces hidden by their dark umbrellas, shrouding them in anonymity. The streets have transformed into shallow rivers. The air smells like approaching thunderstorms.

His attention is caught by an ant scurrying about in front of his feet, trying to struggle to safety by crawling up the small ledge of his doorstep. But before the tiny creature can manage to seek refuge where it’s dry, a thick raindrop descends from the sky, carrying the ant with it on its way toward the ground. Kazu can still see the ant’s legs flailing as the globule of water carries it to a small stream headed for the gutter.

Sickened at the sight, he goes back inside and shuts the door behind him, then collapses on the floor and stares off into space for what feels like hours. When he finally gets up again, he sighs one last time, shrugs, and starts to pack his bag for school.

Air Gear

Air Gear (エア・ギア, Ea Gia^?) is a shōnen manga and anime by the mangaka Oh! great.

Air Gear is about the life of Itsuki Minami "Ikki", also known as "Baby face" and "Lil (and Little) Crow". The name "Crow" came from the fact that there is currently a real living baby crow in his hair sometimes who he does not seem to mind, and his friends along with the latest in-universe trend, Air Trecks. The early parts of the story carry out the introduction of characters that eventually join Ikki, and as the story progresses, it focuses on their roles as Storm Riders and their quest to be on the top of the Trophaeum Tower. It won the 2006 Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category.

Naruto: Summoner 6

Chapter Six

The Sealed Summon

“Aaaaaah,” Naruto sighed heavily, leaning his whole body weight against a tree. Even though the sun was being covered by a thick layer of leaves above and around them, beads of sweat were dripping down his pale face. He closed his eyes, his back sliding until his bottom hit the ground. “I don’t want to go on anymore . . .”

“What an idiot,” Sasuke muttered, stepping over the legs of the rival Summon. Unlike Naruto, he looked as if he were just taking an ordanairy stroll in he forest; nothing out of the ordanairy was happening to make him seem weak. “I can’t believe there are Summons as bad as you. Konohamaru could beat you, even.”

“That little duck couldn’t lay a finger on me even if he tried!”

“But at least he can run faster.”

“Dammit, you-“

“Both of you!” Sakura and Kakashi called at the same time, a hint of anger in each of their tones. Sasuke seemed to stop just as his own fangs were protruding, while Naruto was standing and sharpening the claws along his fingers. However, they both obeyed their masters without question and turned their heads away.

It had been four days since they had begun their journey out towards Hanabira, which unluckily for them was one of the furthest towns in the country from their starting point. Still, it was a small country, so they all knew they only had a short time left. If anything, they only has a night or two of travelling to go.

Even in those four days they had managed to come across problems. There were creatures lurking, thieves hiding themselves, and even the occasional magician, all whom ran like cowards once they had figured out they were trying to place their lives on the line against Summoner Kakashi.

However, none of those problems were nearly as bad as the chemistry between Naruto and Sasuke. Immediately from the moment they met they had begun bickering over the littlelest, simplest things. It happened so much and started so easily that even their masters were beginning to wear thin.

Naruto hurried to stand next to Sakura on the furthest side away from him new found enemy, sending the black haired Summon a fierce glare before looking away towards the forest with a pout. Sakura frowned as she noticed the other boy do the same thing; it couldn’t be helped, no matter how tired she was by it.

“Say, Kakashi,” she started slowly, trying to get a conversation going somehow. She wasn’t exactly sure of what to say, but she wanted anything to try and lower the tense atmosphere around them. “Why don’t you tell us more about this friend of yours? We’ve talked about the town itself many times, but nothing about him.”

“Iruka?” Kakashi said, and everyone paid attention. As he spoke, he looked up towards the leaves above him, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Well, he’s not a Summoner, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“What else?” Sasuke said in an almost demanding voice, something unusual for him to use against someone he held so highly. Sakura assumed that perhaps even he didn’t know who Iruka was; it might have been a friend from before Kakashi had become a Summoner.

Kakashi seemed to immediately understand this strange sort of jealously from his Summon and smiled. “He and I grew up together in Hanabira, as best friends. But while I decided to do what I’m doing today, he wanted to be an ordanairy coal miner. He’s pretty good as a magician though, I’ll give him that.”

“Wow!” Sakura and Naruto said at the same time. Both were sharing the same wide, excited grin that just begged for more information. “Then Hanabira is your hometown!”

“In a sense, yes. I haven’t been there for about eight or so years though- I’ve only spoken to Iruka through letters.”

“Then, are you exi-“

Sakura, who had began to ask the question, immediately halted her steps as something whizzed by her face. She shut her eyes to protect them from the unexpected attack and felt a strong hand jerk her back. When she opened them again, her back was against Naruto’s chest and he had one arm shifted around her protectively, the other hand gripping her wrist.

“Who’s there!” he snarled, his hold on his master tightening as the aura about him became more fierce. While Sakura was a little scared of the unexpected, dark ominous feeling that came from Naruto she held still, knowing she could trust him with her care well. The six playful scars along with cheeks became rough and scratchy as his eyes delved from a sky blue to a deep blood red. She flinched when the grip around her body received the added strength of his claws, but she kept silent.

Kakashi and Sasuke also seemed to prepare for another attack; even the scales from Sasuke’s snake body were beginning to prickle on his skin, and his own sharp fangs grew.

“Master,” the more expirienced of the two Summons said, stepping towards where the attack had come from. The windmills in his eyes began to spin fiercly and his arms and legs were beginning to melt into one single, long form which slithered into the plants inconspicuously. “Wait here.”

“Will do,” Kakashi replied plainly, trusting Sasuke’s instincts without another thought. While the black snake dissapeard into the greenery to investigate the sudden attack Naruto let go of Sakura; neither one of them paid any mind to the red marks on her skin from him.

“I’m gonna go with him,” Naruto stated defiantly, and before either Sakura or Kakashi could call him back he hurried into the woods, although it was lacking the same grace and silence the former had performed. Even without the protection of her Summon the young girl kept herself calm, turning over to look at Kakashi who had begun to move.

He didn’t go far. Kakashi stepped quietly until he reached a certain tree, then he kneeled and let his digits glide along the bark. They continued until he flinched a little, and when Sakura kneeled beside him to see what he was doing she noticed a prick from his finger had dripped blood along a thin needle that had embedded intelf. Before, one couldn’t have possibly seen it with the lack of sunlight and the great ammount of shadows it was so unnoticable.

With that Kakashi pulled out one, two, three needles for the tree, making sure not to get pricked again. He stood up and Sakura along with him, then he displayed the deadly weapons to her.

“The people behind this are rather famous,” he explained with a serious expression. Sakura stared up at him with intent, wondering just who it was that was behind what had just happened. “They pray on Summoners with strength and name, defeating even some of the most powerful ones. Ex-Summoner Zabuza and his Sealed Summon Haku.”

“Ex-Summoner? Sealed Summon?” she questioned, wanting a little more detail. She wondered if it was really her they were aiming at or if it was Kakashi. After all, he said they only attacked Summoners with strength and name, and she had only been one for no more than five days. Kakashi, however, seemed like an incredibly strong person to her with the title as one of the best guards for the Hokage. ‘Even more, within moments Sasuke had Naruto pinned to the ground when they fought for the first time.’

“You’ve never heard of these?” he asked, looking up and tapping his index finger against his chin, making sure to keep the needles safely away from the skin under his mask. He looked as if he were in thought. “Well . . . Ex-Summoners are Summoners that were convicted of using their Summons to commit crimes. Not only do Sealers take away their power, they also destroy the Summon’s capabilities or power.”

It was a lot of information at once, but Sakura was sure she could handle it easily. Now that he had told her what Zabuza and Haku were she remembered reading about such people. However, she never read much about Ex-Summoners since it was rare for one to try such evil deeds. “Sealers are those that can steal magic, right? So they take away any power of a convicted criminal?”

“Exactly!” Kakashi replied with a smile, patting her head rather cutely as if she were a child with his other hand. “You really are smart for your age.”

Still, even then there was one more question she wanted to know. It was something she didn’t understand; she knew that Summoners were forced to become Ex-Summoners after being convicted of a crime, but what of the Summon? If Zabuza and Haku were still together even after becoming criminals -and escaped criminals, she presumed- then what was the punishment of the Summon? ‘Sealed Summon Haku . . . what does it mean to take away their capabilities?’

“What does it mean to seal a Summon . . .?” she wondered out loud, though it was only a low mutter so Kakashi didn’t hear it. But not wanting to be burdened with anything that would leave her distracted she decided to dismiss the idea and instead started to follow Kakashi, who ignored Sasuke’s personal demand of staying in one place. ‘Right now our priority is to either fight or get away from Haku and Zabuza so we can get to Hanabira.’

But just when she had taken her first step towards the older man a thin, sharp pain rooted itself on the back of her neck, giving her no worries as her mind went blank.

x

Naruto and Sasuke had slipped into their less humane forms for the sole purpose of attacking whoever tried to violate their masters, but after much searching and no bodies they had taken back their former appearance. The black haired Summon was the one in the lead, keenly observing and trying to be as quiet as possible when sifting through the forest. But on the contrary, the Fox Demon was loud and boastful as he tried to sniff for any clues.

“This place has too many scents!” he complained, pinching his nose between his fingers and sitting cross-legged on the ground. “I can’t find anybody here . . . Let’s go back to Sakura and Kakashi, okay?”

“Don’t speak of Master that way,” Sasuke spoke flaty, pausing his movements briefly just to give his company a dark glare, “You have no right to refer to him by his name. And give your own master some respect.”

“Sakura said I could call her by her name!” he said back, puffing out his cheeks. Naruto didn’t understand why, but while he felt close with Sakura and somehow admired Kakashi, he couldn’t stand Sasuke. The only reason he followed the snake was to find out what happened. ‘But we haven’t found anything . . . this sucks.’

“Your master is weak,” Sasuke said, turning his body all the way. “Master has hopes for her, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she wound up dead after we’re done with h-“

Sasuke had no time to finish his sentence when a fast, large blur bludgeoned against his cheek, sending him flailing back hard against a nearby tree. He had closed his eyes for protection, and by the time he opened them again Naruto already had a new fist ready, the other hand balling up Sasuke’s shirt.

“Don’t you ever talk about her that way!” he shouted loudly, his voice echoing around the both of them. But just as quickly as he had screamed his words they also became threatingly quiet, and a fire burned in his eyes as he stared harshly. “Say anything about Sakura again and I don’t care what Kakashi does. I’ll kill you.”

Sasuke visibly flinched, a shortness of breath beginning to come to him. Somehow he wasn’t frightened, but at the same time he felt he regretted mentioning anything at all. A powerful aura, something more than anything he had felt in Naruto’s presence before was beginning to rise, making his senses go alert. ‘This can’t be the same guy who was complaining like an idiot before . . . this . . . this is definitely the Fox Demon!’

Sasuke didn’t dare move, but instead braced himself for another hit, his fingers clamping onto the bark of the tree behind him to hold on during the punch. But as he shut his eyes and waited, nothing came. Instead the grip Naruto had on the collar of his shirt loosened, and a vague shout caused him to open his eyes again and look around. As he glanced at Naruto, who seemed back to normal, he was sure he had noticed the same thing.

“That was Kakashi,” Naruto muttered, staring out. He had completely ignored any menial threats Sasuke had made before about respect, and it was only because of the sudden realization of the Fox Demon’s power that Sasuke kept quiet. “I hope they’re ok- Ow!”

“Idiot,” Sasuke, who had just given Naruto a small push on his back, braced himself for quick running. “Don’t just assume things are okay when you hear something; the first step to being a good Summon is to check on your master, not just hope things are all well.”

“R-Right . . .” For once the both of them seemed to be in agreement and with a single step and ran. They hurried to try and rush to the aid of their masters before the other could, hopping over roots and jumping off the side of the trees to try and push themselves further. Even in between their little competition, however, they realized that they might not have much to play around with if there was real danger.

As Naruto seemed to duck underneath one of Sasuke’s arms to get in the lead, only to be knocked in the face with the oncoming tree branch the both of them stopped. Naruto lightly rubbed his nose and cursed profranities before getting up and getting started on running again, but the other Summon purposefully blocked his way.

“Hey, what’s the big idea!” the blond shouted, shoving the other to try and go on, though he met with no success. “Come on! You’re the one that said we had to hurry!”

“We can’t,” Sasuke said, instantly winning the other’s confusion. The Fox Demon stopped with meaningless struggling, for the first time noticing Sasuke was staring at something intently. When he turned to see what it was he noticed just an ordanairy tree. He shrugged; he wasn’t sure what that had to do with anything at all. “Uhh . . . I’m not following you.”

“Look.” When he pointed Naruto caught something he normally wouldn’t have noticed. At about their height was a heavy dent in the tree where the bark was missing, along with a small, smearing stain of blood. “That’s the tree you slammed me into. We’re going in circles.”

“Oh . . .”

“Is that all you have to say about that?”

“Shut up! You were the one leading us most of the way and stuff, so it’s your faul-”

“No, that’s not what I meant,” he said, earning Naruto’s questioning expression once again. For a brief moment there was a heavy silence between the two of them, but that quickly ceased when Sasuke darted out a hand towards the leaves above them, pulling out a thin, frail hand with small needles between the fingers. His eyes narrowed. “I meant someone has been making us go in circles.”

“My bad.” The hand that had been caught was let go and ducked back into its hiding place, then a whole figure jumped down and landed gracefully before them. “But this is what Master wanted.”

A young, beautiful girl stood before them with a pale, feeble looking body. She possessed a soft smile and gentle golden brown eyes, some of it which was hiding underneath long, silky black hair. With such a greeting appearance that would put even the coldest of men off guard Naruto and Sasuke were stunned in place. Neither one of them had expected their newfound enemy to look the way they did.

“So,” Naruto started, looking from the girl to Sasuke and breaking the silence. “There are girl Summons too? I’ve only seen you and Konohamaru, so I just guessed . . .”

“Of course there are female Summons, idiot.”

“Don’t call me an idiot!”

“Umm . . .” the girl started just as the two were staring daggers into each other’s eyes. She giggled a little as she lifted a hand to separate them so they wouldn’t fight. “For the record, I’m a boy, but . . . that doesn’t have much to do with your situation at the moment.”

In an instant he dissapeard to go behind Naruto and Sasuke, placing them on alert. But, even then they couldn’t -or wouldn’t- dare move; in the boy’s hands were tiny, thin needles, their tips pressing against their skin.

“My name is Haku,” he said in a voice that was calm, but tainted with an underlying malice. “and I don’t want to hurt either of you. But your masters can’t stay in this world any longer. Both of them are going to die.”

Naruto felt a shiver run of his spine as the tip pushed even deeper into his neck, ready and willing to break the fleshy skin underneath. Beads of start were beginning to form along his cheeks and were dripping off of his and onto his collarbone. ‘This guy . . . he’s serious! What kind of Summon is this?’

Naruto: Summoner 5

Chapter Five

The Staff in the North

“Master,” Sasuke began, placing his arms behind his head and leaning his body against the bed, his back arching as he stretched his muscles. “What do you think of that Summoner? It’s hard for me to believe a girl like that is one. She seems weak.”

There was a rather large, all white room that both the Summon and his master shared together, each with their own bed and dresser. It was a wide enough for them to have their own personal space, so neither one felt closed in. Kakashi wouldn’t have minded either way; however, he knew as well as anyone else who had met Sasuke that he did not like being in closed spaces.

Kakashi wasn’t lying in his bed to rest, even though it was a little past mid day and the sky was beginning to fade from its bright color. He was one who barely ever slept and enjoyed the peaceful layout nighttime had to offer outside while still managing his daily duties as a guard for the Hokage. He was sitting in a chair by one of many tall, golden outlined windows, eating an already half-bitten apple and watching the people outside below him. All of them were magic users, practicing to try and become stronger.

“You’re too stereotypical, Sasuke,” Kakashi replied bluntly, taking another bite out of the delicious fruit. The Summon stayed still and stared up at the ceiling, loyally listening to the words of advice he knew that were coming. “Both men and women can become great Summoners. I don’t think anyone that has ever lived was greater than Tsunade, and she was a woman.”

“I see . . . I’ll think about that some more then.”

“But,” Kakashi finished off his apple before dropping what remained of it on the windowsill carelessly, “You are partially right about one thing: She’s not too strong yet. But if you sensed things right, she has extreme potential, much like her master. She must have been taught many things to bring her up for this moment instead of jumping right into the art of Summoning.”

“I think we’re better,” Sasuke spat conceitedly, not wanting to admit that his master was right that time. He didn’t mind the fact that Sakura was going to be a strong Summoner, but more than that he didn’t want to say Naruto was stronger than him. ‘He could barely even keep up with my attacks . . .’

Hearing his master call his name instantly snapped him out of his drifting thoughts, and just then he had noticed that he was almost ready to doze off. He was a very strong Summon, but in truth he lacked the stamina to keep it up for a long period of time, so he slept often. Still, he would never miss an opportunity to listen since it could be important.

“I’m going to suggest something to the Hokage in the morning,” Kakashi said. He stood up out of his chair, making Sasuke sit up a little to listen a little better before his master had waved a hand that said he needed the rest. “I don’t think she should start pursuing her enemy so soon, especially with no basic training on the actual art of Summoning.”

Sasuke scoffed as he finally gave in and shut his eyes. “Tch. What did her master do with her all these years then?”

“Not the right training to prepare her for what she’s about to do. I’d like to teach her the proper fundamentals to actually be able to present herself. And, of course . . .” Kakashi gave his Summon a smile that seemed to beg for a favor. “. . . I’d like you to help me with it.”

There wasn’t any doubt in his mind. Even if he didn’t have to obey the orders of his master, Sasuke was devoted to doing any sort of errand or help Kakashi needed. He smirked, suddenly feeling too heavy and tired to answer. Kakashi seemed to understand and turned to leave the room just as his Summon dozed off to sleep.

Dark fell quickly, and as if on command the people around the Hokage’s home piled in within their bedrooms and got ready for a long nights’ rest. Some, however, were just waking up, preparing themselves to keep guard as they had been told to do. This normally would not have been the case, but Orochimaru’s flickering presence had put the people on alert.

Sakura had long lied down in the bed of her guest room, which seemed much smaller than anything she had expected in comparison to the entire palace. Still, she hadn’t minded in the least; living for so long in a small, cramped room filled with books on magic and Summoning had left her able to easily adapt to her small surroundings, so she was fine.

What she was uncomfortable with, however, was the fact that her Summon was so spread out in their bed. Since there was only one and neither of them were modest or had dirty minds they decided to stay together, but had Sakura knew that Naruto would move around so much so she had to lie against the edge she would have objected.

A sudden hand pushing against her cheek and a loud rustling of the covers being pulled away had made her open her eyes. A low, annoyed moan escaped from her but she refused to move from her place, trying her best to cope with the situation.

‘I will have to deal with this every day from now on,’ she thought, mentally scolding herself. ‘If I can’t handle the first night, then I’m not fit to be a Summoner.’

But when she felt Naruto’s leg –or maybe an elbow, since she wasn’t looking- jab her back so much she fell right off the side of the bed and onto the cold floor her anger flared. Pushing herself upright and leaning overtop the bed, she glared at the peacefully sleeping Naruto and pulled the covers he was cuddling with right away from him.

“Naruto!” she shouted harshly in his ear, making the Fox Demon jolt awake. As she went to sit herself on top of the mattress he also sat up, his small fingers massaging his ear. At first he looked a little irritated well, but seeing his master’s face instantly turned it into a frown.

“What did I do, Sakura?” he asked almost too innocently. The softness of his voice took the young Summoner aback; she was almost starting to rethink whatever she was trying to say.

‘But then,’ she thought, her lips forming that same scowl again, ‘I would have to deal with it again and again! That isn’t going to happen.’

As she tried to form the words she wanted to say, this time wanting to use a less angry voice, she sighed. Then she began. “Naruto, we really have to work on your sleeping habits, or else I won’t be able to sleep at all.”

Instead of understanding he gave her a rather confused expression. “Is it that bad?”

“Yes, it is,” she replied. “And if I can’t sleep then this journey won’t be a pleasant one. Especially since it’s already supposed to be serious.”

That time Naruto nodded, but she wasn’t sure he comprehended the underlying message to what she said. Still, his smile was a relief to her somehow, and something told her that just saying that alone would help him obey even in his sleep.

As they laid their heads down, this time Naruto personally making sure she had enough space and plenty of covers, Sakura smiled softly and easily drifted into a peaceful sleep. This was her first time resting since everything had happened, but she felt at ease. The last thing she saw before closing her eyes were those sweet blue eyes, and they made her believe in what she was thinking for sure.

‘Everything will be okay . . .’

-

Kakashi stood confidently before the Hokage’s desk as the old man contemplated, his thin, wrinkled fingers around his chin and his head lowered. On his desk were still the many books that had been there when Sakura and Naruto were in the room the day before, but there was also a thin paper with scribbling, rushed handwriting on it.

“Well?” Kakashi said, crossing his arms and balancing his weight on one foot as he waited. He had just discussed his idea, one he had been contemplating the entire night. While the Summoner had always been a patient man, ready and willing to go at other’s pace, he was eager to find if his plan had any merit to it.

“It does seem to work in her favor,” the Hokage replied, his voice still sounding pensive yet positive and reassuring. He picked up the letter and scanned through the words again, and this time a smile rose to his face. “I think we should try it. I now assign you, Summoner Kakashi along with Sasuke the responsibility of watching over Summoner Sakura and Naruto on the way to Hanabira.”

As the two quickly wrapped up their conversation, both agreeing with what they had just discussed a loud crashing noise was heard outside that halted both of them from speaking. It sounded like a loud clank against the floor out in the hall, but it was quickly explained with shouting.

“Come back here, you little brat!”

“Nyah! Aren’t youthe Demon Fox? You should be able to run faster than me!”

“Damn right I am! And I can so run faster than you!”

“Naruto, stop chasing the poor boy around!”

“All of you, shut the hell up! It’s morning!”

Kakashi sighed as he heard his own Summon shouting at the new guests and quickly dismissed himself from the Hokage’s presence with a salute before setting out, taking the small scribbled paper on the desk with him. The moment he walked into the hall a flurry of shorter heads flashed by him, the last one which he managed to catch with his hand by the collar being Sasuke.

The young male seemed to jerk his head back harshly and came to a sudden halt, but as soon as he looked to see who stopped him from his mini rampage he immediately calmed down. His eyes seemed to fall towards the floor in a bit of shame and Kakashi let go, knowing full well that Sasuke wasn’t going to attempt to run away. “Master . . .”

The rest of the individuals causing the commotion, notably Konohamaru, Naruto and Sakura, also stopped when they saw Kakashi and hurried over towards him as if it were a command. He smiled at all of them like it wasn’t a problem in the least, but all of them had the same sorry expression Sasuke possessed.

“I’m sorry, Kakashi,” Sakura was the first to say, bowing a little bit and folding her hands together in her lap. She glanced over to Naruto just a little bit and obediently he did the same, followed by Konohamaru.

The older Summoner waved it off, even laughing a bit as he pat the top of his Summon’s head affectionately. He hadn’t done what the others did, but it seemed like he was quite embarrassed. “It’s fine. I don’t know what happened, but it must have been interesting; Sasuke doesn’t usually yell at people so loud even the trainees in the court yard can hear it.”

At this Konohamaru and Naruto giggled, not even caring that they were also just as loud moments before. Sakura stood up straight once again and nodded in acceptance, then she looked back behind him to see the giant doors she remembered as the Hokage’s room. She frowned.

‘Truthfully,’ she thought, ignoring any current conversation the ones around her were having, ‘I had wanted to speak to the Hokage this morning about where I should go first . . . But then Konohamaru had to jump in our bed and wake us up. I guess I should just let Naruto sleep until he’s ready, or else he’ll be irritable every morning.’

This made her look to Sasuke, who was standing next to Kakashi proudly once again. He was wearing a healthy smirk that seemed to make Naruto angry, and the two exchanged petty words. This time one of them had managed to keep their cool. ‘He’s so much different from my Summon, but I don’t know too much about him yet. I wonder if all Summons are different.’

“Sakura?” Kakashi called, taking the young lady out of her thoughts. Not only was the Summoner in front of her trying to get her attention, but Konohamaru was tugging at her skirt, begging to be picked up. She smiled and complied, wedging him against her hip and wrapping her arms around his small figure.

“Yes?” she asked. She didn’t want to miss anything he said, especially if it was important. It was then that Kakashi began to walk out into one of the three hallways, the middle one which they had all crossed yesterday when they first came to meet the Hokage. He glanced back at them, signaling for all of them to follow, and they did.

As they continued to walk, now down the flight of stairs and all of them admiring the glass masterpieces around them Kakashi spoke again. All of them with the exception of Konohamaru listened. “It seems that the Hokage has given you, Sakura, and me a little mission as Summoners before you start your journey.”

“A mission?” Sakura and Naruto repeated together, both equally curious. He nodded.

“Yes.” He held up a small paper in his hands, the very same roughly written note that he had taken earlier. “This is a letter from an old friend of mine in Hanabira. He says recently there was an old Summon Staff discovered in the coal mines near the town, but there are no Summoners there to unlock its potential.”

“Hanabira,” Sakura thought, her mind trying to remember the name. She was excited about the mission, of course -this seemed like an incredible honor to be a part of- but she had to get other priorities straight first. Then she remembered. “Oh! That’s a small town in the north, right? I think it’s in this country still, Konoha, but it might be in Suna country as well.”

“It’s not in Suna,” Sasuke spat as if it were obvious. “Hanabira is a port town that has boat trips to Suna, but that’s all the connection it has. Don’t you know your own country?”

Sakura had no reply for that as she kept herself quiet, a little ashamed by Sasuke’s words. Still, Kakashi seemed not to be affected by her answer like his Summon was and even helped justify her mistake with a smile.

“Now, now, Sasuke,” he started, “Tsunade was teaching her magic- not geography.”

“So, so!” Naruto interrupted, his voice sounding childishly eager for answers. Sakura smiled sweetly, glad that he was so easily able to change things. “Tell us what we’re going to do! What’s the Summoning Staff like? Did your friend say?”

By this time the small party had reached the entrance of the Hokage’s home and they were back at the gate, the one place people could enter from outside. Asuma was there on guard just as he was the day before and he gave a quick salute to them all, smiling. All of them stopped their walk as Kakashi did, and he turned to look at all of them.

“This is actually a special thing for you, Sakura,” he said, surprising the young girl. “In order to become a strong Summoner that could defeat Orochimaru, you can’t just stay with one Summon forever. I’m sure you knew that already.”

Sakura nodded, and he continued. “Hanabira, despite being a port town, doesn’t have much going for it; in fact, it’s barely used as a port town at all anymore, so not many people care to go there. The coal mines are its only worth, and it’s rare for them to find anything so valuable.

“This is going to be a special personal test for you, Sakura. I know that I could easily unlock the Summon inside the staff, but the question is if you can. And if you can do it successfully, you’ll have another partner on you.”

‘That’s right!’ Sakura thought, a smile coming to her face. The rapid excitement made her feel ready to go and see what she could do, but just as quickly other thoughts were rising in her mind that made her want to think things over just a bit more. ‘But how does one unlock a Summon . . .? When I opened the scroll Naruto was trapped in, he just came out, but this isn’t a scroll we’re talking about here.’

Sakura was brought out of her thoughts when she felt someone wring their arm around her neck and turned to see herself face-to-face with Naruto, who was grinning. “Don’t worry about everything! We’ll figure out the hard stuff when we get there.”

Those words alone made things suddenly seem like they were going to be okay. A fuzzy, warm feeling filled her chest as she smiled back, then she felt Konohamaru’s small grip on her shoulder and looked down. He had a very sad, tearful expression on her face. Even though she wanted to be sad with him, her enthusiasm couldn’t be hidden.

“You . . .” Konohamaru said, sniffling a little bit. “You’re going to have to leave now, aren’t you?”

“Awwww,” she said in a sympathetic tone, squeezing him tightly in a hug then kissing his forehead. As she tried to settle him back on the ground there was a little bit of resistance, but it seemed he understood just how important this was. Little tears were already coming down his baby cheeks, and just before she turned to the gate he gave her one last hug around the leg.

“You’re gonna come back, aren’t you?” he asked, his voice a little shaking. This time he felt a small pat on the forehead and looked up to her beaming, this time wider than ever.

“No worries,” she said, and he let go of her. “I will come back as soon as I defeat Orochimaru.”

“But first,” Naruto said, also ruffling up the child’s hair a bit as a strange sort of goodbye, “To Hanabira! Let’s see what that Summoning Staff has to offer!”

Naruto: Summoner 4

Chapter Four

The Scroll Summoner

“. . . and so you see,” Sakura finished, still looking towards her new objective. “That’s why I’m going to see the Hokage. I have to learn more about who I’m going to find, this . . . . Orochimaru, and let him know what happened as well.”

Both Summoners, Sakura and Kakashi, had easily decided to call it quits when they had realized that neither of them were enemies of one another. When the young lady among the boys questioned who he was, Konohamaru quickly explained, saying that Kakashi was none other than one of the men he had mentioned earlier that were looking for trouble; and one of the strongest at that.

But while their masters had said truce the two Summons themselves still looked to be in their own little feud. They stood by their masters protectively, as far away from one another as possible. It was almost amusing to watch their expressions; whenever they both just happened to peek over at the same and their eyes met, they would immediately turn away and puff out their cheeks, crossing their arms defiantly.

‘Almost like children,’ Sakura thought, finding it more entertaining than anything. At the moment, Naruto carried her bag while she carried Konohamaru, who was balancing on her hip with his small arms wrapped around her neck. He was a little heavy, but she didn’t mind in the least. ‘He’s just so adorable!’

“Ah,” Kakashi said, stopping just for a moment and looking up, his single eye wandering just a bit. He was the only one after the pause that continued to walk forward towards a tall, wide gate that spread into the forest at both of their sides. All of them had to crane their necks to see to the top, and as soon as they did they came across a man leaning over the edge. “Asuma.”

Asuma, a middle-aged man with a healthy brown eyes and a dark beard, grinned as he saw his ally. A small toothpick in his mouth bobbed around as he opened his mouth to speak, revealing perfect, pearly white teeth that could even be seen from as far as the party was. “Kakashi! You’ve come back! And Sasuke, too.”

“That’s right,” the Summoner had replied, his expression equally cheeky. He patted the shoulder of his Summon, who only had a scowled expression in return to the man above them. Asuma seemed to completely ignore it. “Not only that, but he have a few guests. Tsunade’s apprentice has made it back with our Konohamaru.”

“Oh?” Asuma looked down curiously at the young lady. He had never seen the apprentice to the great Tsunade, one of the legendary three heroes, but his first thought was of her great presence. She looked like an ordinary young girl to those without the skill to see it, but he could already tell that she was different. ‘Her eyes . . . they have the spirit of a true Summoner.’

Kakashi nodded in reply, though he was sure Asuma had caught on. The two were close friends as top guards, even if Asuma himself wasn’t a Summoner. He smirked as he remembered one last detail, one he knew every soul within the gates would find interesting. “Also, we have her Summon . . . The Fox Demon.”

Naruto glanced over to Sakura, rubbing the back of his rather sore neck from staring up a bit too long. The first thing he noticed about her was her strained expression from hearing Kakashi’s words, and his heart sank. He averted his eyes and looked out towards the woods at his side, unexpectedly feeling down.

‘I don’t know what I did,’ he thought, his face forming a small, pout-like frown. ‘But it makes everyone walk on eggshells around me. Master . . . Sakura looks like she has a hard time every time someone mentions me.’

Honestly, all Naruto could remember was his imprisonment within the scroll and the very person who had put him in there in the first place, Tsunade. He didn’t know what he did to deserve such punishment, nor did he know why he already had the impression that he had left some sort of scar in the people around him. ‘Still . . .’

As he looked back to his master, Naruto also started to notice the small beads of sweat that dripped along her cheeks, and her breathing had become a little heavy as well. Konohamaru’s weight against her along with the heat from the sun above them looked like it was starting to take its toll. Seeing her like this, though it wasn’t much at all, irritated him.

“Hey!” Naruto shouted, gaining attention from everyone as he pointed up at Asuma with a finger. “Come on, hurry up and let us in! Sakura’s getting tired!”

“Naruto,” Sakura said in a slightly scolding voice for interrupting, though she also had a small smile. She was happy that he cared. “Let Kakashi and Asuma ta-“

“No,” Kakashi said. He raised a hand up as a sort of salute to Asuma and, as if it were a command, the man disappeared underneath the stone tablet gate, down on what Sakura could only assume was a latter. They all waited together until there was a sound of a strong ‘click!’ and the giant, wooden square gate before them parted in two.

“Finally,” Sasuke had said after not speaking for so long. It looked like he spoke more to himself than any of his company around him, but he had still caught the attention of both his master and the young female Summoner. “I want to go rest.”

‘Summons need rest?’ Sakura thought as they began to walk in, meeting Asuma in person on the other side of the gate. As soon as she thought of the questions she felt a little stupid. All that training and she didn’t know that one, basic thing. ‘Then again . . . I really learned more about the magic build-up to become a Summoner more than being a Summoner itself . . .’

The moment all of them had stepped through and Sakura had brought herself out of her thoughts, she smiled at the wonderful greeting before her. She had been to the Hokage’s home several times, a large, enchanted palace that was carved completely of a pearly white marble and glowed in the sun. There were many floors that stood high within the barrier and tall spirals pierced through the sky. Even more, within everyone’s reach there were courtyards, gardens and practice rooms for Summoners and those who practiced magic.

Kakashi walked ahead of Sakura, Konohamaru and Naruto, Sasuke coming to his side as well while they all followed Asuma. There was literally no door to walk inside of the palace, as the Hokage preferred open spaces with plenty of light and many windows. Instead there was a wide, open corridor with a floor that clearly reflected those that walked upon it and mirrors trimmed with roses all the way down. Holes at the top of the ceiling were filled with colorful glass so that when light shown through, brilliant, bright patterns painted themselves on the bottom. In a single word, it was magnificent, perhaps inviting.

Sakura watched Konohamaru, who seemed to stare down at the patterns with wonder and giggled. She knew that if he lived here everyday and still couldn’t find anything dull about the wonders of his Grandfather’s palace, then someone like her, who had only been there three times at the most could never start to find anything wrong.

Asuma bid them farewell once they reached a ling, spiraling flight of stairs, saying he had to keep on the lookout for the rest of the investigators. Sakura wasn’t paying any attention to them at all, too entranced with the architecture around her, but she vaguely listened to Kakashi tell him of what had been going on. It seemed he knew everything, including why she had to see Hokage.

“Sakura,” Naruto said, his voice seeming far away and his head twisted in many directions. He made sure to keep balance while they walked up the stairs, but he had almost tripped when he swung around a little too quickly. “Are these the kinds of places humans really make?”

The young Summoner smiled, very glad that Naruto appreciated such a place like this. Somehow, with the way he stared and admired everything around him, it almost convinced her that he wasn’t what people had made him out to be. Though even before she had thought that.

“Yes . . .” she replied slowly, and as she did she noticed Konohamaru laying his head against her chest, his eyes closing and his breaths becoming small and even. Now things just seemed well. “This is what people can make.”

When they had reached the top, they came across another large, great hallway, only this one was more wide than long. To the right and to the left were more thin, narrow foyers, but just before them were two tall doors that, when put together, made a large semi-circle sort of shape. Kakashi gave that same salute he had given to Asuma earlier to Sakura.

“This is where the Hokage is,” he said, giving her and Naruto a sweet grin from underneath the covering. He also reached out his arms and for a moment Sakura wasn’t sure why. When he pointed towards Konohamaru, she obeyed and handed the young child to him, who immediately cradled in the older man’s arms. “I’ll take Konohamaru to his room. You speak to the Hokage and tell him everything. He will let you know what to do.”

Sakura put her hands to her lap and bowed down low, closing her eyes as her hair fell to her face. Already in such a short time had she found someone great to admire, a more experienced Summoner who had such a powerful presence and feel to him. She had truly hoped this wouldn’t be that last she met him and his Summon. “Thank you very much, Kakashi, Sasuke.”

But instead of taking her up on her thanks, he lifted her by the shoulder with his available hand, making her look up at him in confusion.

“Now, now,” he said, in almost a taunting manner. “We are both Summoners. Whether you think so or not, that puts us on equal ground.”

With that he turned around to walk down one of the two corridors that provided for him. Sasuke, who had only stayed for a while longer, gave a rather confident smirk towards Naruto before turning away himself to go with his master, which made the Fox Demon growl in contempt. As soon as Sakura threw him a harsh look to behave himself, however, he calmed down and looked to the doors.

“Let’s go Naruto,” she said, a soft smile on her face. “It’s time to meet the Hokage.”

Naruto approved, giving her a serious expression in return before he pressed against the two doors for Sakura, giving off a low, echoing creak. At first Sakura gulped in anticipation, suddenly realizing where she was; she had met the Hokage before. She had to keep reminding herself that, but at the same time . . . ‘Now that I have to admit it . . . It was Master that always spoke to him. I never had any real personal confrontation with him before.’

The moment they stepped in the room they came across a large, circular room, decorated much like how the hallways had been with the exception of a giant, clear, oval ceiling in which light shone through. As the two young people stepped forth, they came upon an elderly, wrinkling man with heavy scars on his face and a single mole sitting behind an oak desk. He looked up at them when the doors behind them closed, and already he had greeted them with a smile.

“Well, if it isn’t apprentice Sakura,” The Hokage said, pressing his old, rather feeble looking hands onto the surface of his desk to stand up. Sakura, who hadn’t expected such a warm welcome, was overjoyed and she hurried closer to him, Naruto watching and following her example. “It’s been at least a year since I’ve last seen you. How you’ve grown.”

“Yes, Sir,” the young Summoner replied, utterly pleased. But as the old man’s eyes began to wander towards the blond boy next to her, her face grew serious. She knew she had to get straight to the point so she could follow the orders of her former master as soon as possible. She needed to get started on her journey. “Hokage . . . I need to speak with you about an urgent matter.”

“Is it about Tsunade’s death?” he said, which surprised both her and Naruto. He waved a hand nonchalantly, as if it were no great deal. “Remember, I am the Hokage, Sakura. I am able to sense such matters the moment they have come. Her passing . . . was horrid news indeed. Especially for you, I’m sure.”

The young girl’s eyes narrowed as she looked to the ground, her nostalgic, upset frown returning. But still, she had to continue. “Yes . . . Yes, it did hurt. But that isn’t what I’m here for. Please, tell me about Orochimaru. He’s stolen a scroll and killed Master. I have to stop him at all costs!”

Hokage looked astounded by this news and he sat back down in his chair, his eyes wandering about the room in deep thought. At last, after looking like he was going through much contemplation, he spoke. “So, that was the dark sensation I had felt earlier . . . Orochimaru . . . Sakura.”

“Yes?” she said, standing straight. She made sure to listen completely, her sights wholly on the man before her. “What is it?”

“I don’t believe you have to worry about who Orochimaru is . . . but more of what he can do. If he has indeed stolen the scroll that I am thinking of, then we will have no mercy. Granted, he will need at least three years to complete his plan, but . . .”

“Sir, if I may ask,” she began, catching the Hokage’s attention. “This . . . this forbidden scroll . . . what’s in it? Am I allowed to know?”

For a moment he had paused again, his eyes strained. He looked as if he was torn between answers, wondering if he should give her a proper response or not. Deep inside, though she would be fine with anything he gave her, she had hoped that he would comply with her request and let her know the contents. After all, she was going to pursue this mysterious, powerful enemy for the very item.

“The Forbidden scroll,” he started, his voice slow, then it sped up as he continued, “Is a scroll of unimaginable power. It is a great Summon that gives a whole new, refreshed body, an everlasting being that is prophesized to have the power to take over every kingdom in the world.”

“In the world?” Naruto repeated, sounding amazed. Finally he had decided to join in on the conversation as well. Before, when the talking was just between Sakura and the Hokage, he was still looking around and up to the sky like a young child. Although there were no words about it so far, Sakura was completely sure that the Hokage knew just what Naruto was: the Fox Demon.

With that interruption, the old man decided to trail on a different subject. He chuckled a little as if in an amused manner, arousing curiosity among the both of them. When the Summoner and her Summon had eyes that begged for answers, he gladly provided for them.

“If I remember right, Tsunade had sealed the Fox Demon in a scroll,” he started, earning a nod from Sakura. His grin had grown wider, the wrinkles on his elderly face stretching with every word he spoke. “That must mean you’re a Scroll Summoner . . . a powerful one, indeed, especially for one so young. Even I couldn’t reach that potential until I was in my late twenties.”

“Scroll Summoner?” both Naruto and Sakura said together, wondering just what he had meant. Of course, they both knew just what he was talking about, but at the same time . . . was there a difference between a Summon unlocked with a staff or a scroll? Sakura wondered. ‘I suppose there is . . . I hadn’t thought that way before.’

The Hokage, who had many thick textbooks on his table, let his fingers ride over the spines of the tomes before pulling out one in particular; a thick, black one. It dropped onto the surface of his desk and without the use of his hands it turned itself to a certain page. On one side, there were many drawings of different staffs and scrolls, while on the other side there were words. He turned the book around and ushered the both of them closer, which they did.

“There is a great difference,” he began, first pointing to the staffs. “Those who use staffs are ones who often use normal magic; it’s the way it always has been, and while Summoners are rare among the populace, the majority of those carry staffs as well. You see, they are not what cause the process of Summoning, but rather . . . a magically infused weapon per se, a focus for those who have a difficult time harnessing their own power.”

“I see,” Sakura said, nodding. She looked to Naruto to see if he was paying attention, but frowned when she saw him looking off again. She had to keep in mind his short attention span -or at least his lack of love for learning- for the future. “So, ‘Staff Summoners’, as you would call the, I guess . . . they have power, but they have a difficult time using it without a medium?”

“That’s exactly it. But Scroll Summoners . . .” his fingers pointed to the beginning of a paragraph, though he did not read it word for word. “. . . They are able to Summon and use magic as they please, even without a staff. They are usually much stronger than the average. You have great control over your magic, as well as great power. Still . . .”

“Still?” Sakura asked.

“Much of it is still dormant . . . In order to gain power along this journey of yours, enough to defeat Orochimaru and save the land by taking back the Forbidden scroll, you must unlock that power within you. Fight, find powerful Summons to fight alongside you, and learn great magics along the way. It is . . .”

She waited as he stopped, raising his hand and looking harshly in her eyes. “It is the only way you will be able to win.”

As he snapped the book shut with a magical presence of his own he stood up, pointing over to the door. “I suggest you stay the night here, and begin your journey in the morning. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

Hearing the words from before still ringing in her ears, that strong, powerful utterance, it took a moment for her to register the rest of what he had said. But once she had she nodded quickly, a heavy flush of embarrassment rising to her cheeks as she bid the Hokage farewell and turned to leave the room. As she had opened the doors and walked completely out, Naruto went in her direction as well, only stopping when he heard the Hokage speak again.

“Fox Demon,” he said, his voice sounding strong but not harsh. Naruto listened intently. “Protect that girl . . . she was an apprentice of the legendary Tsunade, and something tells me she will become something much greater.”

Without a second thought, Naruto grinned like a child. He held up a single hand, giving him a special thumbs up. “No worries here! I’ll protect my master with my life, now and forever.”

As the Summon left the room, the Hokage sat back down, heaving a long, heavy sigh. But after that, once he had recalled everything that had just happened in such a short time he smiled. ‘What a great pair . . . we will certainly see justice.’

Naruto: Summoner 3

Chapter Three

Konohamaru, the Hokage's Grandson

“This woods is really long, Master,” Naruto said as he looked around. From left to right, all he could see was the great forest. However, he didn’t mind that they were walking along it, even if his voice sounded like he was bored; the woods actually made him feel very comfortable.

Sakura, who was walking alongside her Summon, frowned a little disappointedly. “I asked you not to call me Master . . . it makes me uncomfortable.”

“What for?” Naruto asked, shrugging. He only looked in her direction for a second for staring upwards, where a sky would have normally been had there not been so many long branches in the way to cover it up. It wasn’t enough to shroud the couple in darkness, but it did make for plenty of shade. “You really are my master, so . . .”

“I’m not so sure,” she replied with an awkward smile, pulling a bit of her hair away from her face and placing it behind her ear. “I just don’t feel the authority I’m supposed to feel, I guess . . .”

Naruto did not answer, but instead nodded knowingly and went back to looking out at the woods. As he watched the small life hustle around among the ground, not daring to go near the two of them, he could sense the strong presence of magic. His senses were still a little rusty, he supposed, and there was also the fact that both Tsunade and her home had been marinated in the same kind of presence, but still . . .

‘Now everything seems to have magic,’ he thought, closing his eyes peacefully and linking his fingers behind his neck. He took a deep breath, relishing in the sort of calmness that evolved around him. ‘From what I remember from before, everything was so dead . . . Now it’s all so . . .’

“Sakura,” Naruto began, for the first time using her name. He immediately caught her attention with it, and she smiled faintly as if pleased by it. “What is this Hokage like? Why is he the village master?”

Sakura looked up to the branches abruptly as if in deep thought, the available hand not holding her traveling bag tapping on her tiny lips. Not many people had actually known the Hokage personally, although everyone had seen him. She, however, was the former apprentice to a legacy and had talked to him on several occasions. She felt lucky she had; otherwise, she wouldn’t have had much to say.

“Well,” she started weakly, forming her words together in her head. Just for a moment she stopped walking, but as she put her focus back on the world around her and noticed Naruto had continued on, she caught up with his strides. It was than that she answered his question.

“The Hokage is a great man who has always protected our village from danger. There have been only a few Hokage’s, but many believe that he is the greatest.” She smiled widely. “And he’s even a Summoner, like Master and me! But he has sealed most of his away for another time or given them to worthy apprentices.”

“Most of them?” Naruto inquired. Sakura nodded.

“The only Summon he has left in the open now is the one whom he considers his grandson, Konohamaru. Believe it or not, he’s only a duckling, not something great and strong like one would expect.” Sakura’s smile grew wider, and she squealed girlishly as her cheeks flushed. “And he’s the cutest thing!”

Naruto looked over to his master skeptically, wondering if all girls acted this way when they saw something they adored. But as he watched her, his own cheeks started to burn with a slight tint of pink, and he was grateful that the shadows of the branches above had hid them from Sakura. He didn’t mind her being so happy in the least, as strange as he thought it was.

As they reached the edge of the forest, the two were suddenly embraced with a whole new setting, one that left Naruto stunned. It was what Sakura had talked about, the village that the Hokage was supposed to protect. People, small and tall ones alike ran about the road, some playing childrens’ games and kicking up the dirt on the street while others were shopping at the various markets stands selling fruits, chatting with the owners happily.

The homes, stores, and an Inn that Naruto had spotted in the corner were all built out of wood from the forest, and somehow they literally seemed to glow with the magic within the bark. Seeing so many people like he had never seen it before made him feel a bit like a wound up child, and he grinned and darted out in the center of the street.

“This is great!” Naruto shouted out loud, earning some strange stares though it seemed like he didn’t notice. He threw his fists in the air, spinning around a bit and dizzying himself just to take a look at everything in view. Sakura ran to him, a little embarrassed, but as soon as she tried to straighten him out he grabbed her hands and spun her around along with him. “Sakura, this is my first time in a real village!”

“Calm down, Naruto!” she demanded, though she was giggling a little herself. Still, under order of his master he did stop, just only slightly holding onto her fingers like he did not want to let go. Things seemed to rattle and double right before his eyes, particularly Sakura’s face, but he tried his best to keep his balance. Still, he couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.

“I didn’t think I’d get so excited,” he told her, looking around in a much less noticeable manner now that he could see much better. It hadn’t stopped others who had already witnessed him to stop staring, however. “I just . . . I saw how alive everything was, just like how the forest was alive with magic and I just . . .”

Sakura already seemed to understand. She squeezed both of his hands affectionately, her face beaming much like his. “I see! Seeing something so different than what you’re used too . . . it must be amazing! Especially after being sealed inside of that scroll for so long. Though I don’t think anyone was as energetic as you.”

For a moment that grin on Naruto’s face dulled at the mention of the scroll, and Sakura tilted her head a bit, an almost regretful expression on her. But she wasn’t questioning in the least; she knew that it must have been a lonely and terrible place within that scroll, since it was the prison for the Fox Demon. Her master wouldn’t have put him in a paradise.

Sakura slowly let go on Naruto’s hands, turning around to look for her traveling bag. She had carelessly dropped it when she was running towards Naruto, and she had hoped that none of her belongings had fallen out of it and gotten dirty. But as she looked around, her eyes came upon a small, brown haired child, his tiny fingers tugging on the strings of her bag to drag it in her direction. Her heart soared.

“Konohamaru!” she said, skipping over in the little boy’s direction. As soon as his dark eyes met hers he let go of her bag, grunting and pouting a little as she effortlessly picked up and slumped it over her shoulder. She kneeled down, an index finger poking at the young boy’s nose. She giggled. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you out in the village like this.”

Konohamaru didn’t seem to enjoy the child-like attention he was getting, but as he took in Sakura’s pleased smile a warm, cheery feeling filled his chest. He held out a hand and she took it, standing up again.

“Gramps doesn’t know I’m down here,” he said, speaking as though he were an important figure. The two walked over towards Naruto, who was already out of his sad stage and looking down curiously at Konohamaru. The child, however, did not seem to wonder who Naruto was in the least and kept talking. “He said he felt something dangerous and sent down some people to check it out, but I’m here investigating on my own!”

The older two glanced at each other, both having a sneaking suspicion as to what the Hokage was sensing. It might have been many things; he might have noticed Tsunade’s death, or even the summoning of the Demon Fox. It could have been both. But Sakura knew something that Naruto didn’t, and it was the one thing above all that stood out for her. ‘Orochimaru . . .’

“Konohamaru,” Sakura said softly, kneeling down by the boy’s side once again so that they were eye level. “Could you please take us to the Hokage? I need to speak with him . . . it’s important.”

Konohamaru’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm and he beamed. “Sakura! You know what’s going on, don’t you?”

“Well . . .”

“Come on, say it!”

“Hey!” Naruto suddenly said harshly, bopping the young child on the top of his head with a fist. Konohamaru let go of Sakura’s hand and felt the top of his skull, flinching but staring defiantly at the one who assaulted him. Naruto, though, was showing no remorse; his face looked just as irritated as he crossed his arms and looked downwards. “Don’t bother Sakura.”

“But I wasn’t!” Konohamaru complained, little tears forming in his eyes though he tried his best to hide it. “I just wanted to know what was happening . . .”

“It’s alright,” Sakura said, patting Konohamaru’s back as a way of comforting him. She turned her face and frowned at Naruto, who looked back at her in disbelief. He honestly thought he was doing something right! Wasn’t she bothered by him nagging her? “Naruto, he’s only a child!”

As much as he wanted to argue his point, a tug at his heartstrings kept Naruto silent. He wasn’t exactly sure if it was him who was feeling so ashamed all of a sudden, or if it was the fact that it was his master who scolded him. After all, from as far as he could remember in his past, which was vague, he didn’t have a master before.

But as he looked down at the little boy who was getting all the attention in the world from Sakura, he immediately turned his nose to the sky. ‘All I know is that kid is a brat!’

“Konohamaru,” Sakura started, lightly kissing his forehead to try and make him feel better. She concentrated her best just as she had been taught, and when she breathed ever so slightly, an essence of magic seemed to swirl like pixie dust. In a flash the boy was well again, as if he was never hurt in the first place. She stood again next to Naruto, giving Konohamaru her most thoughtful smile. “Now could you take us to Hokage?”

Without a second thought he nodded again and again, reaching out for her hand. “Yeah, yeah!”

The home where the Hokage, Konohamaru’s master or ‘Grandfather’ lived was within a long, winded path just like Tsunade’s home was. The main village where the three had just been was where travelers or residents stayed, while places of importance were disguised among the forest.

“Be careful,” Konohamaru warned, holding up an index finger informatively, “Gramps has guards all over the forest, so they might try and ambush us if we’re not careful.”

“Don’t worry!” Sakura said, giving a big sister smile. “I have Naruto with me, and you too. Both great Summons that are here to protect me!”

Konohamaru suddenly seemed to gain interest in the other boy for the first time as he turned his face to look at him in wonder. Naruto was behind the other two, his face twisted into a jealous pout. ‘He’s a Summon like me? I couldn’t tell . . . He must be really powerful to hide it like that!’

For the first time Konohamaru willingly let go of Sakura’s hand to run by Naruto’s side, his face full of questions. Naruto glanced over to his master, wondering what he should exactly do or say, but Konohamaru answered for him. “So, what kind of Summon are you? I’m a duck!”

Naruto grinned, and it seemed like the two finally found a common interest in each other. He stopped walking, placing one hand on his hip and the other with his thumb pointing to himself as if he were an important figure. Then he boasted loudly, proudly, “Who, me? I’m the great De-“

“Naruto, stop!” Sakura commanded harshly, and he shut his mouth. When she saw the look on his face, as if she was telling him to stop because it wasn’t important, she felt terrible. Quickly she came up with an explanation for both boys, her face flushed with both embarrassment and shame. “Um . . . you see, Naruto’s Summon is a really big secret right now . . .”

Konohamaru looked like he didn’t care at all about that; now he wanted to know even more. “Come on! I won’t tell!”

She laughed it off just a bit, then turned around to continue walking, glancing back to see if the two boys followed her. She frowned, still not exactly feeling settled with her excuse. ‘I’m sorry, Naruto . . . But if Konohamaru found out you were the Fox Demon, it would surely cause trouble. We have to let the Hokage know before anyone else.’

Sakura paused her movement as she heard a quick rustling from the woods to her left, but when she looked, there was nothing there. She took a cautious step towards her focus, narrowing her eyes and looking hard for anything in the least bit suspicious. Still, even though there was no physical presence, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled. ‘Strange . . .’

Only after she was sure that there was nothing that was going to attack her did she step forward, but just then from the corner of her eye she caught the glint of something dart out from the darkness, nearly making her heart stop. Before she could even see what it was she shut her eyes and two hands clamped on her shoulders and pulled her back, barely missing the attacker. She could feel the tingle of something sharp that had brushed the bridge of her nose.

“Sakura, are you okay?” she heard, and when she looked up she saw that her savior was Naruto. He let her stand on her own, almost pushing her before she could answer as he rushed to the enemy.

Before them on the path to the Hokage was a large snake, with rough, coarse black skin and two piercing fangs that seemed to drool with a violet, liquid-like substance. It slid into a coil, holding its head up high above them and staring down at the three with startling eyes. Sakura looked into them, watching the swirling black windmill within the blood red pupil as if in a trance.

“How dare you attack my master!” Naruto growled, his own Demon Fox teeth and claws jutting out. He bent his knees, a low growl erupting from him before he charged, jumping high to directly swipe at the top of the skull of the snake.

His sharp fingernails cut right underneath its eye, making a long, thin slit that started to bleed as soon as the wound was opened, and the snake hissed loudly before diving at his enemy. Dirt flew into the air and Sakura shut her eyes, going down on her knees and pulling Konohamaru into a tight hug to try and protect him from the noisy scuffle. Seeing nothing, she could only hear loud growls and screeches.

“Sasuke, stop!” she heard an unfamiliar voice shout, and she felt Konohamaru’s tense body calm. She peeked an eye open to see if the dirt had cleared, and while it hadn’t completely gone away she deemed it safe enough. She let go of her tight grip on Konohamaru and stood. The first thing she saw was Naruto lying flat on his back, the snake’s giant head pressing him down and the fangs trying to poke through the clothing at his chest.

“Naruto!” Sakura said worryingly, though she stayed in her place so as not to alert to predator. Another rustle in the woods caught her attention and Sakura looked over, as well as the snake and Naruto to see a man had walked out from behind a tree.

He was much taller than herself or any of her companions, with seemingly all-over-the-place silver hair, but not quite as out of place of Naruto’s. While a mask that covered even down underneath his top covered most of his face, one of his lazy, coal eyes was visible. He was staring right at the snake, which ignored its battled to stare back.

“Sasuke, I warned you against going out like that. Look.” The man’s face looked harsh, as if he were scolding the snake as he pointed to Konohamaru. The young boy, even if his grip was loosened, was still shaking and his arms were still securely wrapped around one of Sakura’s legs. “The Hokage’s grandson is right there. What if you hit him?”

For a moment the eyes of the snake seemed to narrow as if in contemplation, then Sakura watched in amazement as the creature shrank, growing thin, pale arms and legs and a head of black hair. It was another boy, and she suddenly put to and two together as she looked between him and the silver haired man. ‘This snake . . . it’s this man’s Summon! He’s a Summoner!’

The snake, whose more human-like body was sitting on the ground next to Naruto panting, rubbed the blood from a long, thin cut off of his cheek and spat on the ground. He looked in the direction of the Fox Demon and glowered, standing up to walk next to his master. His black eyes, no longer the possessing the strange, mysterious swirl from before, were still utterly dark and attractive. “Sorry, Master.”

That confirmed it for Sakura, and instead of being scared she was now in awe. Summoners, after all, were rare people since it took so many years of dedication and work, and she was already face to face with one like herself! Looking between the both of them, her cheeks blushed heavily. ‘They’re both so handsome . . .’

“Geez,” Naruto said, finally sitting up and patting his chest to see if there were any wounds. He looked fiercely at the snake called Sasuke, his incisors still sticking out from his battle. “You could’ve killed me with those fangs of yours! I can practically still feel them jabbing me . . .”

Sasuke scoffed, acting as if it were nothing. He put one hand on his hip, balancing all his weight on one foot and looking down at Naruto the same authoritative way he had as a snake. “Why not get better so that won’t happen next time? You’re so weak.”

“I’m not weak!” Naruto retorted, hopping up and sliding in front of Sakura and Konohamaru, holding out his arms widespread to protect them. “I-I’m just new at this, that’s all!”

“Both of you, calm down,” said the man, holding up both of his hands and laughing nervously to lighten the mood. This had quickly let down the guard of both boys, as well as Sakura. Here, he didn’t look the least bit fierce, but Sakura also had a uneasy notion that the commanding power he had before was still hidden somewhere. “That’s going to get us nowhere.”

“I-I agree,” Sakura said, nodding. As she willed herself to take a step Konohamaru let go of her leg, and instead she took his hand again and walked around Naruto. The silver haired man also did the same with his Summon, letting the both of them stand face to face. Once again, his immensely tall figure intimidated her. She didn’t like having to look straight up at someone.

“Young lady,” he began, glimpsing past her to see Naruto then going back to her, “Is that your Summon right there? The Fox Demon?”

Everyone reacted to his words, including his own Summon. Sakura felt her heart begin to pump, and she gulped as she succumbed to the pressure she was feeling and averted her eyes. ‘He knows . . . he knows who Naruto is! But how? What’s going to happen . . .?’

“Kakashi,” Konohamaru said, beginning in a quiet voice then speaking up. Somehow he already knew the man. “Naruto is the Fox Demon?”

The man called Kakashi simply smiled at the boy, not exactly answering his question the way he wanted it to be answered. “Naruto, huh? Interesting name for an interesting Summon.”